Author Interview with Jemimah Jonah

 

Alright y'all, I met this Indie Author when she reached out to me on Booksta. She was in the middle of celebrating her first book being published, so I was so shocked when she DM'ed me. While I haven't read her book yet, I do have it on my list. (Yes I have accepted that my TBR is completely out of control.) So let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: Hello there, My name is Jemimah and I currently reside in Chennai, India

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 
A: I work with a publishing company.

Q: If you do work with a publishing company, which one and for how long?
A: Oh, I am published with Invincible Publishers. It was a one book deal, so it’s safe to say that I’ve been working with them for almost a year now.

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: I predominantly write Thrillers, the sub genre’s varying between crime and horror. Occasionally I write romance and dabble in poetry.

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: Honestly, writing made me happy. I figured I wanted to dive into writing for a living when I first walked into a book store and saw my favourite author’s books stacked up. If one can move an audience with words and make them go through a series of emotions, I figured that was what I wanted to do for a living.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: I am cursed with a nine to five job. Haha! But the hidden blessing in my curse is that I get to work with my best friends. I work as a Business Analyst for a private healthcare IT company based in the US.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: Just one - Dark Retributions.

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: I have five books in the work right now but I am working hard on getting at least two published this year.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?
A: Towards the end of the book, writing David’s scene was the hardest for me because he is personally my favourite.

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: Oh good question! LOL! I have ten books that are not being worked on currently. Out of ten, three are complete.

Q: Do you have a series developing?
A: Yes! Dark Retributions is meant to be duology but currently, I’m thinking of extending it to a trilogy.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
A: I wish that each book would stand on its own at the moment.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?
A: I really haven’t decided, honestly. But I am hoping it’s the sequel of Dark Retributions and I am aiming for another December Release.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: Book one took me six long years to write it. Book two took me a month thanks to Nanowrimo.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: I take a break. Usually, I put on some music and try to listen to them from the pov of my characters. Eventually, the block goes away on its own.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?
A: Good question. I always make sure my room is clean before I sit down to write. I turn off the lights to get me in the writing mood and turn on some instrumental as I get very easy with any other type of songs. I mostly write at night.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: Honestly, it depends on my mood and the amount of distraction I have. (Count on my fam to pop in right when I’m writing an important scene hehe..)

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: If it’s an emotionally taxing scene, I get super exhausted. But if I am writing a fun/cosy scene then I get energised.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: Songs, my dreams and thinking of pre-written stories from the POV of another sub character.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?
A: I dared to dream. I hope that one day I could be as successful as James Patterson, Dan Brown or Stephen King (A girl can dream :P )

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 
A: I absolutely love reading. I have a mini library at home.

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)
A: As of now, I am not but I am looking forward to the opportunity.

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?

A: I like to read historical fiction and Fantasy in addition to my genre.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?
A: Sign of the Cross by Chris Kuzeski and Key of Arkandus by Lauren

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: Eragon had me crying, laughing and screaming with frustration.

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 
A: I have a writer’s account on instagram. I am very shy when it comes to youtube channels LOL. I post book/life updates on Instagram and I love interacting with my writing friends/Readers. @thatdreamywriters

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: Absolutely. They make my life a LOT more meaningful and brighter after my nine to five job.

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: Charlie, Lauren and Tara are very important people who have stood by my side for the longest in this book journey.

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?
A: Investing in my laptop and a laptop stand. (Gone are the cramps)

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: They are highly supportive now that they see how happy it makes me.

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: Honestly, nothing so far.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thatdreamywriter/

Alright folks, there you have it! Jemimah is always hard at work on her next book, and is working to get her next book out into the world soon. I am so grateful that she reached out to me about doing this interview. I have her book on my TBR, and I hope you do too now. Be sure to check out her Instagram for updates on her next book!

Author Interview with Jessica Thompson

Alright y'all, I met this lovely when she reached out to me on Bookstagram about doing an interview. I was still shocked and happy that she wanted to be featured on my blog. I was grateful that she took time out of her schedule to do this interview. I do have her book on the out of control TBR, and I hope you will too after you read her answers. Let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: I'm Jessica Thompson and I live outside Austin, Texas, but I grew up in California and a little bit in Japan.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 
A: I work with a small publisher that found me during a #pitmad event. I need deadlines and accountability.

Q: If you do work with a publishing company, which one and for how long?
A: I've been working with Darkstroke Books since June and they were able to fast track my book, A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder.

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: I love mysteries! Even when I try to write something else, it always turns into a mystery!

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: I always enjoyed writing but thought it was too competitive. It was when I found culinary cozy mysteries that I thought I could actually get somewhere with writing.

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: Nope, just an irregular one. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so everyday is different and weird.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: Just one, so far, but more are on the way! The sequel, A Caterer’s Guide to Holidays and Homicide, will come out later this year for the holidays.

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: Two, definitely, but I hope to write many books about Violet and her sleuthing.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?
A: The wrap up! Oy. To remember everything and cover it all at once in a conversational way is tough.

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: Also two. I have a short novella that is too short and off-brand to ever see the light of day, and a classic-style mystery that I had to set aside to work on the next Violet book.

Q: Do you have a series developing?
A: Absolutely! Like most cozies, I'm bringing back these characters for more sleuthing shenanigans in the future.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

A: Each mystery will be able to stand alone and the books will be able to be read in any order, but I'll have common characters.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?
A: The sequel to A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder is another Violet book. A Caterer's Guide to Holidays and Homicide, will be out later this year. That's because it is set at Christmas time, but it doesn't have a release date yet.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: I took several years, on and off, to write "A Caterer's Guide to Love and Murder." Now that I’ve published one novel, the other books are coming much faster.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: I usually know what I want to have happen next, but sometimes I just need to seek some inspiration as regards the dialogue, or minute logistics, or character reactions and feelings. When it happens, I seek inspiration mostly from movies and TV. They let your mind relax, but lets you consume content in a way that really works for my brain when I’m burned out.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?

A: I usually tell everyone in the house that I’m sitting down to write and ask if my little boy has to go potty, then they are all set up doing something and taken care of and, of course, are consequently being too loud. So I will start playing wordless music over headphones just to drown them out. After that, the words will flow out until I have well-passed my deadline to start doing something else, like making dinner or getting kids ready for bed.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: I think I operate better during long sittings, like the odd day that gets to be exclusively filled with writing, but I am forced by circumstances to usually write in sprints.

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: Both? I think I undulate during the writing, maybe with the scene that I’m writing. But also, I feel both at the same time. It’s like any time you are deeply satisfied. Like after an amazing meal, making it or eating it, you are happy and content, but coming away from the experience with an excitement that makes you want to talk about it and rehash it before you can relax. Like wanting to take a step back but not being ready to go to sleep. Or like being a good-tired and just wanting to switch gears.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: I think everywhere. A twist on another book or movie, a single element plucked from a TV show, or a real life conversation. I wrote a short story involving A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder’s main character for a blog. That story was based on a moment of mystery in my friend’s back yard. Once you start looking for them, life is full of everyday mysteries, often ones that never get solved, that work well as mystery plot inspiration.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?
A: I would say I’m usually looking at Agatha Christie, but she lived in too different of a time to really compare. So I guess I can say that I wish I was as successful as Joanne Fluke or maybe Ellie Alexander or Josie Kilpack.

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 
A: Yes! But I regret not being a big reader when I was younger, so I am slow.

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)
A: Yes, I have a few critique partners and I mostly trade with them. Its a few ladies in my Write Club (we were already friends before we realized we were writing,) a local lady who just published a non-fiction book about planning weddings for brides with special needs (because I have helped plan a few weddings,) and JennaLynn Badger, who writes cozies with alpacas!

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?
A: I do like to read mostly within me genre, but just because I am slow and have to prioritize. That way my reading counts as research. But I like to read everything, so I also read a lot of nonfiction about cooking and food.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?
A: I think I can say that The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie really stands out for me. It blew my mind. I guess I can say it is my favorite. I can’t really talk about why because EVERYTHING is a spoiler.

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: I didn’t used to cry, but I do now. All the time. I think anytime a book is sweet, especially as regards moms, I just lose it.

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 
A: I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but I guess I focus on IG. It works with my brain and my genre.

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: Absolutely! Reach out anytime! I’m @jessicathauthor

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: I can’t believe how much my author friends have helped! First of all, the writing community as a whole is so wildly accepting and encouraging, that all you have to do is reach out. I have to mention how much support I’ve received from Heidi O’Barr (author of The Cupcake Company Baker’s Manual,) Whitney McGruder (author of the Destiny Seeker series,) Jenna Lynn Badger (author of the Camping Capers cozy mystery series,) Blaise Ramsay (multi-published author and publisher,) and of course, my publishers at Darkstroke Books (who also write as Cathie Dunn,) and the other authors at Darkstroke, like Elizabeth Lyvers, Charlie Tyler, and Sarah Davis. I don’t know how I’m so lucky!

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?
A: Hm, I have to say that I have mostly done free promotions, so I suppose my editor. My paid editor is a wonderful editor and great person, but thankfully she did not find a lot to change in my manuscript. That gave me the confidence to start querying.

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: They are very supportive. My husband and kids have always been very supportive, and my parents, sister, and extended family barely knew about my efforts until I was on track to be published.

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: I’m not sure, but they can always reach out! I’m happy to make friends, share my experience, answer questions, anything! My email is jessicaisanauthor@gmail.com and I keep up on my Instagram messages at @jessicathauthor.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jessicathauthor

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jessicathauthor/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jessicathauthor

Alright folks, there you have it! She is still celebrating pub day of her first book while working hard on book two. I am still so thankful that she reached out to me and did this interview. I hope you guys check out her social media pages, and add her to your cozy mystery reads!

Technopaladin (R&R Book Tours Blitz Post)

Welcome to the tour for this exciting new YA Sci-Fi/ Fantasy, Technopaladin: Clarity's Edge by Elizabeth Corrigan! Read on for an exclusive excerpt and a chance to win a $25 US Amazon E-Gift Card!

Technopaladin: Clarity's Edge

Publication Date: May 17th, 2021

Genre: YA Sci-Fi/ Fantasy

Clarity’s paladin order forbids her from entering the Azure District, the one location in her high tech city that refuses paladin rule and technology. When she receives an illicit invitation to violate the prohibition, spurred on by rumors of suffering in the district, she passes through the crumbling brick entryway into no-man’s land. Within, she finds the residents lack not only the ocular implants and three dimensional computers she takes for granted, but also medicine to fight a disease infecting the children.

Clarity knows her order isn’t perfect—after all, they stole her from her parents when she was a small child to raise her with their values—but she cannot believe they know what’s going on in the Azure District. When she confronts the head of the order, he refuses to aid people who have rejected his help in the past, even the children. Unwilling to take no for an answer, Clarity enlists the help of the leader’s son Cass and takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate both to cure the children and keep her place in the order that is her only home, Clarity engages in increasingly questionable behavior—deleting official records, lying to her friends, and manipulating people who can help her. As the nefarious nature of her actions tarnishes the purity of her cause, she must determine what it truly means to be a paladin, in both name and action.

Excerpt

“Come on, Clarity!” Hope grabbed Clarity’s hand and dragged her down Londigium’s main thoroughfare. The bright glare of the morning sun glinted off the silver skyscrapers and made some of the light-up signs in the storefronts difficult to read. Nonetheless, Clarity could make out the image of a dress on the digital placard of Hope’s destination.

Clarity dodged to avoid running into some people going in the opposite direction from her. She tried to wrench her hand free of Hope’s grasp to give herself better maneuverability, figuring she could follow her friend’s gleaming, red-gold hair through the crowd, but Hope held tight. “Remind me again why we’re doing this? I don’t care about going to the gala, and I don’t see why I can’t just wear my official paladin armor.”

“I swear, for someone so invested in her career, you can be dense about the things you need to do to advance it.” Clarity’s other friend Zeal tossed her black braids over her shoulder as she gave Clarity a scathing glance. “You have two weeks left until the gala, and Hope has convinced Steady Threads to make an exception to their usual deadlines and take an order for your dress. Try to be a little grateful.”

“I’m a warrior.” Clarity cringed at the petulant tone in her voice but continued her line of argument anyway. “My job at the moment is just conducting training for the non-warrior paladins, but if and when I get promoted, I’m going to be a Citadel guard or a peacekeeper in the city. None of this has anything to do with looking pretty at a gala.”

“Do I have to remind you why you put that ‘if’ in there?” Zeal asked. “You beat out the Grand Conductor’s son during graduation trials for a position at the Citadel.” Zeal was right. Steadfastness Hughes ran the Order of the Amethyst Star, and he hated Clarity. “You need to go to the gala and do some networking among the other warriors to make yourself popular in other circles. Or at least look appropriate so as not give him an excuse to send you off to the boondocks and install his son in your place.”

“I know, I know. You’re right.” Clarity stumbled as Hope came to a sudden stop in front of the tailor’s shop. “I just feel more comfortable in my armor. The paladins already spent a lot of money getting us high-tech, retractable armor. I don’t see why they’re bothering to pay for dresses and tuxedos as well.”

“Because it would be ridiculous to try dancing at a ball with your armor clanking everywhere, and the purple microfiber bodysuits underneath are not nearly as flattering as you all think they are,” Hope said, her voice containing an uncharacteristic tartness. “Besides, don’t you want to look amazing enough that Valor regrets breaking up with you just because you beat him in that silly contest?”

“Don’t say that so loud.” Clarity glanced up and down the street, but no one she knew was nearby. “You guys are the only ones who know we broke up. Besides, I don’t think---”

Before Clarity could finish her sentence, a man ran into her, practically shoving her into the store’s forcefield window. She and her friends turned in sync to watch a man in a fine suit run past them, knocking the crowd aside to get through. Behind him came a pair of men in armor as shiny as Clarity’s own, sufficiently far behind that the recovering throng on the street would be an impediment. By the time the paladin peacekeeper she recognized as Diligence noticed her and called, “Stop that man!” Clarity was already racing after him as best she could.

The pursuant looked behind him and noticed a much closer paladin. With a curse, he tried to pick up speed, and when that failed, he turned a corner into what looked like a small alley. He must not know the city very well, Clarity thought. There’s an open air market on the other side of that building. He’s going to be easy to spot there.

Indeed, as she chased him between the skyscrapers, she could easily see his head bobbing amid the stalls. Realizing his mistake, he pushed over a table full of crates of apples, sending the green fruit rolling across the ground. Clarity didn’t miss a beat, leaping into the air above the overturned boxes and landing on her quarry in a tackle.

The crowd had erupted into shocked gasps at the chase, but as Clarity pulled the man to his feet and twisted his arms behind his back, the crowd burst into applause. She heard the word “Azurite” murmured a few times, so she glanced down at his chest and saw that he in fact wore the telltale diamond-shaped, blue patch that marked him as a resident of the city’s Azure District. Everyone knew the Azurites hated paladins and the order they represented so much that they refused paladin technology rather than follow paladin laws. Clarity had heard rumors that people in the walled-off part of the city lived in abject poverty, but the man standing in front of her looked well-fed and clothed.

Diligence and his partner jogged up behind Clarity. “Thanks for the assist,” Diligence said as he handcuffed the criminal. “We caught him trying to buy a slew of weapons on the black market. The dealer was smart enough to try to make a deal, but this idiot ran.”

Wow. Clarity had known she was chasing down a criminal, but she’d had no idea he was such a dangerous one.

“If you want paladin tech, all you have to do is submit to the laws of the city,” Diligence said to his prisoner. Then he turned to the farmer whose apple crates remained upside down on the ground. “If you file a report with the Citadel, the order will reimburse you for your damaged merchandise. We apologize for interfering with your business.”

Available

Amazon | Barnes & Nobel | Kobo | Apple

About the Author

Elizabeth Corrigan has degrees in English and psychology and has spent several years working as a data analyst in various branches of the healthcare industry. When she’s not hard at work on her next novel, Elizabeth enjoys playing tabletop role-playing games and cooperative card games. She refuses to watch most internet videos and is pathologically afraid of bees. She lives in Maryland with two cats and a very active iphone.

Elizabeth Corrigan | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway: Click the link below for a chance to win a $20 US Amazon e-gift card!

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Venus Underwater (R&R Book Tours Blitz Post)

Its's such a pleasure to share this beautiful book with you all! Songs from Mermaidia by Julia Hengst, will delight kids and parents alike!

Read on for more info and a chance to win a fantastic giveaway - A copy of the book (digital or print) and a $25 Amazon e-gift card!

Venus Underwater: Songs from Mermaidia

Publication Date: May 14th, 2021 (Today 🎉)

Genre: Children/ Songs/ Poetry/ Puns

The magic universe of mermaids, full of laughter, song and delight: help your child discover self-confidence and find their inner flow by diving deep into the magical world of Mermaidia. Venus Underwater: Songs from Mermaidia introduces the underwater world of Mermaidia. This humorous and whimsical collection of poems and songs reveals how baby mermaids are made, what mermaid families are like, and how mermaids study magic at School of the Fish to become Sea Witches (not Sand Witches). Created by family therapist Julia Hengst the Venus and Her Fly Trip series helps nurture the whole child, promoting self-esteem, confidence and social/emotional/mental health in a fun, playful way.

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About the Author

Julia Hengst is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an avid surfer, traveler and word nerd who resides in Maui. Passionate about psychology, spirituality and media literacy, she holds an undergraduate degree in Media Studies from UC Berkeley, a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and an imaginary degree from the University of Puns. www.venusandherflytrip.net

Julia Hengst | Facebook | Instagram

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Everyday Magic (R&R Book Tours Blitz Post)

Great news! If you pre-order a copy of Everyday Magic by Charlie Laidlaw and you will receive a signed edition! But you have to order before May 26th!

Everyday Magic

Expected Publication Date: May 26th, 2021

Genre: Literary fiction/ Contemporary Fiction/ Humour

Publisher: Ringwood Publishing

Carole Gunn leads an unfulfilled life and knows it. She’s married to someone who may, or may not, be in New York on business and, to make things worse, the family’s deaf cat has been run over by an electric car.

But something has been changing in Carole’s mind. She’s decided to revisit places that hold special significance for her. She wants to better understand herself, and whether the person she is now is simply an older version of the person she once was.

Instead, she’s taken on an unlikely journey to confront her past, present and future.

Everyday Magic is an uplifting book filled with humour and poignancy, and reminds us that, while our pasts make us who we are, we can always change the course of our futures.

Pre-Order HERE!

About the Author

Charlie Laidlaw lives in East Lothian, one of the main settings for Everyday Magic. He has four other published novels: Being Alert!, The Space Between Time, The Things We Learn When We’re Dead and Love Potions and Other Calamities. Previously a journalist and defence intelligence analyst, Charlie now teaches Creative Writing in addition to his writing career.

Charlie Laidlaw | Facebook | Twitter

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Author Interview with Candy D. Mitchell

 

Alright y'all, I met this colorful beauty through the awesome FB group Dystopian Ink! I was super grateful that she took the time to do this interview, and even more grateful that she asked me to be one of her readers. (Yes, it is on my list, don't judge!) Her instagram handle and colorful hair had me looking into all her books, and I hope her answers below will have you doing same thing! Let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?

A: My name is Candy D. Mitchell. I currently live in southern Oregon. 

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 

A: I am an Indie Author. 

Q: What genre(s) do you write?

A: I write fantasy - mainly dark fantasy. 

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?

A: When I was a child, I would write poems, short stories, and songs. I thought about going to school for writing, but I didn’t. I never stopped writing, and I feel like now I’m more confident now that I’m older to do something like this. 

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?

A: I own a handmade art business called Peculiar Hollow besides being a mom full-time. 

Q: How many books have you published?

A: Technically, two. My first book, I published right after high school. That was around 2009. Although, my first book, I didn’t hire an editor or anyone for that matter. I look back and wonder if I would still like the story I wrote. One day, I might redo it. I did a lot more research with my second and made sure I did everything possible to make it the best. 

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now?

A: Currently, I am working on four. I am focused mainly on the second book for Goodbye, Theodore. One is a children’s book, that I am very in love with already. Another one is based in the fairy realm. 

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?

A: I wouldn’t say that a certain scene was hard to write. I think that it’s more of how would this character act in this situation, or they could do this or that. For me, I’m more concerned that the world and characters I’m creating feel real. 

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on but are half-written or complete but unpublished?

A: This question made me laugh out loud. I have a whole list of stories that I either have a few paragraphs written or a scene. I would say there are at least twenty. 

Q: Do you have a series developing?

A: My newest book will be a trilogy. I don’t think I will write more books for it later, but you never know. 

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

A: I think the only connection I will make with other books or series is a connection to nature. All of my books are heavy with nature elements, but the stories are all different unless it’s in the same series. 

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?

A: The next book will be the second to Goodbye, Theodore. I have yet to release the name of the second book or the release day. I do plan to have it done by autumn. 

Q: How long did it take you to write it? 

A: I started writing this book in September, which was the same month the first book was released. 

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?

A: I usually paint, listen to music, or go for a nature walk/hike. 

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?

A: I would use the word routine a bit loosely. I have a three-year-old, so I always have to make sure that he will be able to play alone for a bit. We will do yoga together, and then I do my normal workout routine. After I shower, I tell my son that I’m going to write. I like to make tea and put on my headphones to listen to music while I write. I usually only get about half an hour to write a day. If my husband isn’t working, he will take our son to the forest or somewhere fun so I can write. 

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?

A: I rarely have the time to sit for a long time to write. When my son gets older, I hope I can sit for longer and write instead of doing sprints. 

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?

A: It depends on the day. If I start writing around nine or ten, I usually am energized. If I wait until my son goes to sleep, it’s like I’m writing at a snail’s pace. 

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?

A: I get inspired by nature a lot. It comes to me in dreams sometimes, or just as a short scene that’s played in my head. It’s like watching a movie with no sound for less than a minute in length. 

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?

A: I love to read and have a lot of authors that I admire. I will say that I look up to Neil Gaiman. I think that he is a wonderful person, and I love the way he tells stories. I don’t know if I would want to be as popular as him because I am quieter and like to be private about things. 

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 

A: Yes! I love to read. I have already turned my son into a book dragon as well! 

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)

A: I have been an ARC reader once for another author who asked if she could be mine as well. 

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?

A: Yes! I rarely read outside of the fantasy genre and subgenres. 

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?

A: It’s so hard to choose. I can say that The Hobbit has a very special place in my heart. It was the first fantasy chapter book I read in fourth grade. 

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?

A: Yes, that’s one of the reasons I love reading. 

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 

A: Currently, I have Instagram and Facebook. I’ve thought about getting a tik tok, but it seems like so much work and maybe I’m too old. Haha. (I don't you are too old! The older generations are starting to take over TikTok! According to Gen Z, I am too old, but I am on there!)

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?

A: I do. I think it helps to keep me going. I don’t have a massive following, but I appreciate those who take the time to follow and comment. 

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?

A: Not exactly. I am a part of writing groups, but I don’t have someone else who writes who I talk to often. 

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?

A: Definitely, a good editor and cover designer. 

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?

A: I don’t think most of my family even knows I write or doesn’t care to talk to me about it. I have a couple of family members who actively support me and ask about it, but that’s about it. 

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?

A: If they want to know more about me they can follow me on my social media accounts. I love interacting with readers. 

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/thepeculiarfairy

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/thepeculiarfairy

Website:

http://thepeculiarfairy.com/

Alright folks, there you have it. Candy D. Mitchell has lots of stories planned out, is a mom to a toddler, and loves to interact with everyone who takes time to read her books. She is rocking it out so far, and I cannot wait to read Goodbye, Theodore myself very soon! I have to say thank you once again to Candy for agreeing to do this interview. I hope you guys check out her social media pages and her books!

Author Interview with Mikhaeyla Kopievsky

 

Alright y'all, I met this lovely through the wonderful FB group, Dystopian Ink. She is also on the never ending TBR. I am still so grateful that she agreed to do this interview, as well as sending me an ebook copy of her first book in the series. (Yes I am still working on getting to it, but I have been sick the past week.) Let's dive into her answers shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?

A:My name is Mikhaeyla Kopievsky. I live in the Hunter Valley region in NSW, Australia.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 

A: Indie

Q: What genre(s) do you write? 

A: Speculative Fiction – dystopian, paranormal, supernatural fantasy, cyberpunk, grimdark, magical realism. 

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?

A: Like most writers, my first passion was reading. I decided to ‘become’ a writer (in the sense that I was going to treat it like a career and not a hobby), when I finally had a moment where I couldn’t find the kinds of stories I wanted to read and knew I had to write them myself. 

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books? 

A: Yes ☹ Being a financially-independent indie author (or author, generally) is limited to the very successful few. I have a goal to achieve a better balance between ‘other work’ and writing over the next few years and hope to eventually go part-time with both!

Q: How many books have you published? 

A: I have two books in my Divided Elements series published, with the third to be published in July 2021. I also have a Divided Elements novella published that is available to purchase or read in Kindle Unlimited (or you can sign up to my newsletter and get it for free). I also have two short stories published in SFF anthologies. 

Q: How many books do you have in the works right now? 

A: I have a darker neo-gothic/paranormal/spec fiction standalone novel out on full request with an agent, and I’m currently working on the second book of a supernatural YA series that I hope to release in 2023. 

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far? 

A: I don’t think any particular scene is ever more difficult to write than another; for me, the hard part of writing is sitting down at the keyboard and writing even when you feel creatively drained, emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, tired, or vulnerable. It’s the impacts of the outside world that make it hard to write, not necessarily the characters or the plot (although sometimes, if I haven’t written a good enough outline or thought through a plot point properly, I get really tripped up by a scene!)

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on, but are half-written or complete but unpublished? 

A: Soooo many. Too many. Beside the ones I mentioned above (that are completed but need final edits or are in the publishing pipeline), I have 5 in various stages of incomplete first drafts: 1 of which I intend to finish (it’s just a harder story to write), 2 I know I will unlikely ever finish or publish, 1 that I might one day go back to, and 1 that I think will always be just a ‘passion project’ – something I write just for me. Beyond that, I have half a dozen or more with detailed premises and outlines. Too many ideas, not enough time to write them!   

Q: Do you have a series developing? 

A: I’m just about to wrap up my dystopian series, Divided Elements (the third book is published this year), and I’m in the middle of drafting a YA supernatural series. 

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? 

A: The books in each of my series can be read as a connected standalone – they each have their own story that wraps up within the book, but are also part of a bigger story that is the series. But the different series are all set in completely different worlds with completely different characters (and usually in different sub-genres).  

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day? 

A: Revolution (Divided Elements #3) is scheduled for publication on 15 July 2021 (Bastille Day) 

Q: How long did it take you to write it? 

A: This particular book took me just over 2 years to write. 

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process? 

A: I go back and get to know them better! ☺ I re-read the first two books in the series twice – once to just get a deeper feel for the characters and story again, and the second time to jot down questions I had about their life and their development arc. Getting curious about my characters – what they were doing behind the scenes, what was motivating them, why they wanted what they did, why they acted the way they did, and what their future could look like – helped me to find the right story threads to pursue for them. 

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book? 

A: No routine. I set monthly writing goals with my critique group and I have a weekly goal of writing or editing 5 days out of 7, but other than that, it’s just write when I can and try to stay positive and inspired (which I usually do via reading). When I’m on a deadline, I’ll set stricter writing goals – e.g. 15k words a month – but mostly my routine is sitting down at my writing desk and getting words onto the screen ☺

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)? 

A: Something in between – I can’t have white noise when I write, so there’s usually a ton of distractions around me. I usually have my screen divided into 2 windows – writing window and fun window. Sometimes I’ll sit at my laptop for 3 hours and write 300 words, and sometimes I’ll sit down for 3 hours and write 1500 words. 

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions? 

A: Both. There are times when writing is a slog and you just have to power through until the words turn so bad you have to let it go for another day. Other times, the story takes on a life of its own and I come away energised and excited and itching to get back into the next writing session. 

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books? 

A: Everywhere! The one thing I’ve noticed since writing constantly is that I look at the world differently and I see ideas for stories in everything. You just have to have a curious mind and ask lots of ‘what if’ questions ☺

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as? 

A: Not any one particular author. There are successes of other authors – like award nominations, bestseller tags, tens of thousands of rabid fans, movie or tv adaptation deals, killer publishing deals – that I want to one day achieve for myself, but there’s no one author whose journey I want to emulate.

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 

A: Yes!

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.) 

A: I’m part of a critique group of other SFF authors who I regularly swap manuscript reads and feedback with. I’m also a developmental editor with the Australian Speculative Fiction’s Deadset Press imprint, so I get to read a lot of SFF short stories as well. 

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write? 

A: Yes, but not exclusively. I also love straight-up literary fiction and a good narrative non-fiction. 

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most? 

A: China Mieville’s ‘Perdido Street Station’ for its brilliant storytelling, evocative world building, and originality; Zadie Smith’s ‘White Teeth’ for the deft weaving together of narratives and engaging prose; George Saunders ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ for how utterly brilliant it is; and way too many others that have had a lasting impact on me as a reader and a writer. 

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book? 

A: Always! That’s why I read books – to immerse myself in these fictional worlds and respond as if I am there living the story alongside the characters. 

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 

A: I’m on facebook, twitter, and Instagram.

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?

A: I love to connect with my readers no matter what platform they have or even if they are on one. Most connections I have with readers is via my newsletter and email. 

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support? 

A: Yes! I’ve been lucky enough to be part of two excellent critique groups – one which folded before I published my first book, and one that is still going strong today. I’ve also benefitted from being part of some great author groups on social media – like the Australian Speculative Fiction group and the Dystopian Inkers group. 

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer? 

A: Purchasing Scrivener – it is my go-to writing software and I’ve never not used it when drafting a novel. 

Q: How does your family feel about your writing? 

A: Most of them are pretty much indifferent. They’ll occasionally ask me about it, but only my nan and my uncle have actually read any of my books. Happily, my uncle loved my first book so much, he purchased the second and made me sign both of them ☺

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know? 

A: That even their smallest messages of support – a tweet to say how much they loved the latest book or can’t wait for the next one, an email to tell me how a particular scene moved them, a two-sentence review on Amazon – means the world to me. Sometimes as a writer, I get locked up inside my own head and it can feel like I’m just throwing words out into the void. So when I get these messages, I feel like there are people out there who really enjoy my books and that my words have changed something about the world – even if that change is just putting a smile on someone’s face after a bad day. 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MikhaeylaKopievsky

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mikhaeylak/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MikhaeylaK

Alright folks, there you have it! She is working a full time job while trying to pursue her dream as an Indie author. She writes a lot of dystopian-ish books, and is getting ready to celebrate pub day again this summer! I have added her to the never ending TBR. I am so grateful that she took time to do this interview! Be sure to check out her books and her social media pages!

Author Interview with Wendy L. Anderson

Alright y'all, I met this lovely when I signed up for her R&R book tour for her book A Cut Twice As Deep. I was hooked on her books after I finished that one, and instantly signed up for the Ulrik tour. I was still so grateful that she agreed to take time out of her schedule to do this interview. I wanted to get a better look at the brain that wrote two great Viking fiction books that I devoured pretty quickly. So let's dive in shall we?

Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Wendy L. Anderson, and I was born and raised in Colorado! Still here in Colorado.

Q: Are you an Indie Author or do you work with a publishing company? 
A: I am an indie author. I do belong to an indie publishing group, but I am do all my publishing.

Q: If you do work with a publishing company, which one and for how long?
A: Not anymore, I learned my lesson!

Q: What genre(s) do you write?
A: I am predominantly a fantasy author, but I also write fantasy romance and historical romance. I am delving into YA in the future. I also have a new book coming out in February that is a time-travel romance. Everything I write is based in the fantasy genre though.

Q: What made you want to become a writer in the first place?
A: I started writing poetry when I was 10 years old and decided then I wanted to become a writer. I have always made-up stories and poems in my mind. Throughout High School and beyond I kept writing, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I thought I’d take the plunge into actually writing a full book and self-publishing. Now, I can’t stop writing because I love it so much. I am inspired by the stories themselves and they keep me going!

Q: Do you work a regular job in between books?
A: Yes! I work a full-time job in addition to writing and taking care of my family.

Q: How many books have you published?
A: I have published a five-book fantasy series and the box set just published. Starting in February, I will have two stand-alone books published. So, seven total!

Q:How many books do you have in the works right now?
A: I have three books in the works right now.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write so far?
A: The hardest scene to write was the very last scene in The Last Ny-Failen, the final book five of my Kingdom of Jior fantasy series. It was difficult to write because I didn’t want to end the series, but it had to be done. It was very emotional for me as a writer and for the characters in the story because I was so involved in their lives and they were very real to me. 

Q: How many books do you have that are not being currently worked on but are half-written or complete but unpublished?
A: I would say one, but I have about two other fragments of stories that could eventually be published. I have one completed book that will require some serious re-writing.

Q: Do you have a series developing?
A: Not at this time.

Q: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
A: The five Kingdom of Jior fantasy books are all interconnected and are best read in order. I am also trying to build a body of work, where my readers continue to follow me and enjoy everything I write. I never say never so another series in the future is a possibility, but for now, I am working on stand-alone books that have no connections. This allows me to explore other genres and sub-categories of the fantasy genre that I love so much.

Q: What is your next book that is set to be published and when is the release day?

A: My next book is titled, Ulrik. It is available for pre-order now and the release date is 24 February 2021. (It is actually available now! My review is also on here!)

Q: How long did it take you to write it?
A: Ulrik has been a work-in-progress for about five years. It has gone through some major re-writes and periods where I did not work on it at all. I felt it was finally good enough to publish now and so it will be officially out on February 24, 2021.

Q: What did you do when your characters stop talking (writer’s block) to you during the process?
A: I leave them and work on something else until they feel like talking again. I keep mulling over the scene I’m stuck in and where I want the story to go. Eventually, the story opens up for me, I return to writing it and move on. Often, I start reading the whole work from the beginning, and usually by the time I get to the part where I got stuck my characters are talking again and the story begins to flow.

Q: What routine do you have when you sit down to write a book?
A: I have a comfy green chair I sit in to write. I breathe a sigh of relief and anticipation when I sit down in it and open my laptop. A glass of wine is sometimes in the routine, but not always, LOL. Just being in my green chair gets my creative thoughts going. Typically, I will start with an idea I have or a scene that plays in my mind and I just start writing. I am a “pantser” and I write as if I am watching a movie in my head. I just start typing and the story flows. It is one of my favorite things about writing.

Q: Do you write it all out in long sittings or short ones (sprints)?
A: I rarely sprint. Usually, I write in long sittings which happen mostly on weekends because I have to work a full-time job. I also write in the evenings for a few hours which is often my time during the week to sit down and escape into my writing. Sometimes I only get a couple of hours to write so I will take what I can get and do what I can.

Q: Do you get exhausted or energized during writing sessions?
A: I am energized when I write. I leave all my stress and worries behind me and enter a state of relaxation that opens my mind to the story I am in.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?
A: Most of my ideas come from daydreams and actual dreams and many times my ideas just leap out at me from the recesses of my mind. My book, A Cut Twice as Deep came from a dream I had when I was a little girl. The dream never left me and years later, I just sat down and started writing the dream down and the story developed from there. I am currently creating a re-write of Rapunzel which is my favorite fairy-tale. Not that I think I can do better than the Brother’s Grimm, but I wanted to put a different spin on it that I hope will be entertaining and create a similar sense of fairy tale wonder.

Q: Is there another author you look up to or strive to be as successful as?

A: There are a few authors I look up to. To a huge extent, I have been inspired by Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan the Barbarian. I would like to be as successful as Morgan Llywelyn who wrote The Lion of Ireland and other terrific historical fiction novels or Michael Moorcock who is one of my favorite fantasy authors.

Q: Are you a reader yourself? 
A: I am a reader. I love fantasy novels and historical fiction. However, I do not have much time to read as I would rather spend my free time writing.

Q: If so, are you a beta or ARC reader for anyone else? (You don’t have to name for who if you do not wish to.)
A: I have done one ARC in the past, but I do not do it anymore. I just don’t have time.

Q: Do you like to read the same genre(s) you write?
A: Yes! And I also love the classics like Beowulf and King Arthur.

Q: Do you have a favorite book or a book that stands out the most?
A: Beowulf! 

Q: Have you ever cried, laughed, or had a real emotional response to a book?
A: I get involved in what I read and what I write, so sometimes the emotions in the book affect me. I have cried reading Nicholas Sparks’ novels and other novels like King Arthur get me all starry-eyed.

Q: What kind of social media do you have? 
A: Facebook page, Instagram, email, and I have a website www.wendylanderson.com

Q: Do you like to connect with your readers using your chosen platforms?
A: Oh yes, I love hearing from my readers and I always respond. I’ve been contacted through my website and email. Occasionally on Facebook.

Q: Do you have any author friends that have helped you with your writing process or just been there for support?
A: I belong to Richie Billing’s Community of Writers on Facebook which is a group of mainly fantasy authors. I have learned a lot from him over the past couple of years as he is a valuable fantasy writer’s resource.
I have contacted a couple of other authors with questions on marketing and promoting. I also have talked to a couple of authors who belong to the Indies United Publishing House. I would be open to more but the opportunity has not presented itself.

Q: What was the best money ever spent as a writer?
A: The best money I spend as a writer is for my graphic artist who does my book covers and created my logo. Vila Designs https://www.viladesign.net/ is very affordable and Tatiana, my designer, is very good, creative, and wonderful to work with. I also hired a woman to help me with my website and she set-up my newsletter, tweaked my social media, and helped me with the overall look of my website. Both were dollars well spent.

Q: How does your family feel about your writing?
A: They are 100% all in! My husband is very supportive of my writing and loves all my work though, he is normally not a reader. The rest of my family is happy for my successes and supports me as I build my fantasy empire.

Q: Is there anything about you that your readers don’t know that you would like them to know?
A: I would like my readers to know I appreciate them reading my books and I love to hear from them, even if it is not always in a positive light. I like feedback in the form of reviews or comments and look at those as an opportunity to improve my craft. Most of all I want my readers to know I am here for the long haul. I’m going to keep writing, keep perfecting my stories and keep entertaining them with the fantasies I create. Writing is my dream. I always strive to create wonderful stories with original themes. My characters and the worlds I create are very real to me and I intend to draw the reader into my fantasies so that they can see into in my mind’s eye and walk away with a sense of wonder.
 

Website:

https://www.wendylanderson.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wendyanderson7111/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/wendy.l.anderson.of.jior

Alright, there you have it! I have fallen in love with her Viking fiction books, and can't wait to see what the future holds for her. Again, I am so grateful that she took time out of her day to do this interview, and give us all a look into her brain! Be sure to check out her books and her social media pages! You can also find my review for both A Cut Twice As Deep and Ulrik on here!