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Author in the Spotlight

Hello! Today, we have Amy McGuire with us for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author

Amy was born in the tiny town of Campbell River, B.C. and grew up a child of missionary parents in East Africa. From an early age she discovered a love of reading and shortly thereafter discovered a joy and talent for writing. By the time she  reached high school she was writing for fun and slowly getting interested in both reading and writing romance. Her first published novel was written back in 2009. She lives in Ontario with her husband, young daughter and one cat and one Siamese Fighting Fish. Because of my love for Canada, most of her stories are based here.

After talking with Amy and asking her questions, here is what she had to say.

1.) What inspired you to write? 

I don't know if there was any one thing that inspired me. I have been writing stories and poems ever since I was a young girl. I have always loved the written word and the outlet it provides for my imagination. There is a quote from Ever After where Drew Barrymore's character says, "He was addicted to the written word," in regards to her late father. I think that pretty much sums me up. I love to read and I love to write. I'm not a huge non-fiction fan, as I like to disappear into other worlds for awhile and escape when I'm either reading or writing.

2.) What was the hardest part of writing The Hope Valley Saga?

Hmm. The hardest part. I guess it would be the dialogue. It's hard to get characters who speak like everyday people on the first try. It's a delicate balance between too much dialogue, long monologues which may need to be shorter and text around the dialogue. Being my first novel, I had a lot to learn and at times I think I nailed it, while at others, I'm sure my dialogue came across as unrealistic or forced. I hope that my writing has improved since my first novel but I suppose readers will have to read my novels to see if that's the case. 

3.) Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author. I actually don't have just one. I guess you could say I have an author per genre. One of my all time favorite Christian sci-fi authors is Frank E. Perretti - especially his angels and demons series.  C.S. Lewis is my favorite author of children's books and I have many fond memories of reading or being read The Chronicles of Narnia as a child. Now that I have a child of my own, I enjoy reading that to her as well. My favorite romance author is Nora Roberts. Actually, I love Debbie MacComber too. And lastly, Lucy Maud Montgomery who wrote the Anne of Green Gables series and many other related books.

4.) Do you outline?

Oh man. Sometimes I wish I did. I suppose it would be easier sometimes to have it all laid out before I actually write. Other times I'm glad I don't, because the story will take unexpected twists and turns and I am often happily surprised with the results. So, I don't really outline, but often, if any idea or piece of dialogue or a scene comes to me, I will write it down in a journal for future reference.

5.) Have you had any rejections?

I have had multiple rejections. I don't think many indie authors end up selling on Kindle Direct Publishing without having experienced a rejection or two. I learned many things about the publishing business as a result of those rejections, as well as the certain knowledge that I am grateful to be self publishing instead of having to work on the deadlines of a large company that doesn't know me personally. At times I wish I was published through a traditional house, if for nothing else than to have someone shoulder the costs of marketing, cover design and even website costs. Aside from that, I'm actually fairly content now that I've discovered KDP.

6.) How do you overcome writer's block?

Ah. The dreaded writer's block. I think the best way I overcome it is to move onto another story. Sometimes I just go for a walk or read a book or even watch a TV show. I get inspiration from pretty much everywhere, so even a visit with my friends or family can clear up the writer's block. What I find is important though, is not to get frustrated when writer's block hits but to focus on other things until inspiration hits.

7.) What project are you working on now?

I'm working on my first stand alone novel, Collateral Damage. It's also my first novel that isn't strictly romance. It's the back story of one of the characters who appears in The Heart's Discovery and his brother. I originally hoped to have it ready by April but we'll see how things go. I'm excited about it though. Damian is a character with a rough past and I'm hoping to give him a realistic redemption that not only helps him, but helps others around him as well.

8.) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I would say, don't be overconfident but don't lose hope either. No one starts out with the great American novel. Your first novel may be okay or it may even be awful. The first draft is also never a good indication of the finished product. As far as cover design goes, unless you are actually a cover designer, don't try to do it yourself. Spend a little money on your book in regards to the cover and editing and it will go a long way towards sales. You will also have more people take you seriously if you produce a good looking product. You want to stand out from the crowd. Writers on KDP are a dime a dozen these days. To stand out, you have to have a great product and then you have make sure everyone and their grandmother's dog knows you have a book out. And lastly, ask a professional or someone you see selling well in your genre for help. You never know. They just might to be willing to help you out.

There you have it from Amy McGuire.

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do. If anyone would like to contact Amy or you have any questions please feel free to. You can reach her at the contacts below.

Amy's books:

Dreams Comes True(latest novel in The Hope Valley Saga):

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/429473

http://amzn.to/1DkReAT

Contact information:

Weblog: www.shesanauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoramymcguire

Twitter: www.twitter.com/shesanauthor

 Email: shesanauthor@gmail.com

Author in the Spotlight

Hello, today we have Ra’Mone Marquis for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author

Ra’Mone Marquis is a native of the State of Florida. He received his Bachelors degree from Florida International University where he became a proud 2005 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He went on to receive his Masters degree from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Marquis currently lives in Miami, Florida. Life experiences and literary idols such as Omar Tyree, Terry McMillan, and Eric Jerome Dickey; have shaped Ra’mone into the author that he is today. This is what formed the foundation of him being considered an unique and relatable author. Due to a desire to provide people with an uncensored, entertaining, and informative place to learn and express one’s self regarding everything sexuality; Ra’Mone created the website The Quis Box. It includes everything from a blog, discussion topics, videos, drink recipes, and more. He is also the Founder and President of True T.A.L.E.N.T.S. Foundation, Inc.; a 501c3 nonprofit that he started in 2011. Its mission is to mentor and enrich the youth of our communities, ages 13-18 years old. With talents including music and dramatic arts; Ra’Mone finds joy in writing, cooking, entertainment, exercising, eating, and traveling…just to name a few. Courtesy of Grind 2 Glory Publications and Kace Books, LLC. Ra’Mone’s first novel is a highly reviewed novel entitled District 69: The Crimson Edition. His second novel, District 69: The Color Haven is its unpredictable followup.

After talking with Ra'Mone and asking him questions, here is what he had to say.

1.) What inspired the author to write the book(s)?

When it came to District 69: The Crimson - the bulk of the stories in this book takes place in Miami. so I thought to myself, what part of Miami is sexy and alluring to me? I immediately thought about the art district and 69 is my favorite sexual position which is how the first part of the first book and series was created. Next I wanted a color that I thought added a good ring to the title and had levels of sexuality to it. Crimson was the perfect touch due to how I personally feel about the color. As for the second book the 2nd part of the title "The Color Haven" came from an idea for me to take a variety of colors, use how they make me feel, and use that to guide the types of stories that are in each part.

2.) How long have you been writing? 

I started writing when I was in elementary but it was more for therapeutic reasons. As I got older and started to have my own experiences in sex, love, and relationships...my writing transitioned and evolved.

3.) Who is your favorite author?

 Oh wow that's a hard one but I have to say.....Eric Jerome Dickey.

4.) Do you outline?

 I do. It is a must for me. Once I have a title for the book, I then outline how the book will go such as the stories, titles, etc. In my third book that is not out yet, part of the book is a mini book with 4 chapters. I created an outline to structure what I wanted to cover in each chapter.

5.) What is your routine? 

Early in the morning or late at night is when I prefer to write. I need complete silence, a snack (preferably a nut medley or fruit), and a glass of wine or margarita. Once I finish I leave the store alone and let it marinate. Then the next day or later that day I come back and juice it open/edit it.

6.) What do you do when you aren't writing?

 Living life to the fullest so that I can have more to write about, exercising, and working on my other endeavors.

7.) Where do you get your ideas from?

 Real life experiences. All of the stories I've written in my first two books are my real life experiences or the experiences of others.

8.) How do you get over writer's block? 

I don't force. I do nothing but wait for it to pass.

9.) What project are you working on now?

 I am making plans to debut my own online show and my dissertation for school. Other than being an author I'm also a PhD student. 

10.) Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

 My brand and worked is rooted in getting people to embrace and cherish the essence of love and sexuality. They do not need to run from or hinder it. My books are more than just stories of sexual activity. They are journeys of diversity that caters to everyone and allows you to feel as if you are in the midst of what is going on. 

There you have it from Ra'Mone Marquis.

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do. If anyone would like to contact Ra'Mone or you have any questions please feel free to. You can reach him at the contacts below.


Ra'Mone Books:

District 69: The Crimson Edition

Amazon (U.S)  Kindle- Buy Now

Paperback - Buy Now

District 69: The Color Haven

Amazon (U.S.) Paperback & Kindle- Buy Now

Email Ra'Mone

Twitter: @ramonemarquis

Instagram: @ramonemarquis & @kacebooks

Facebook

You can enter and enjoy The Quis Box : www.thequisbox.com

You can find additional information about Ra’Mone Marquis’ nonprofit, True T.A.L.E.N.T.S. Foundation, Inc., at: www.ttfoundation5.com

Twitter: @ttfoundation5

Instagram: @ttfoundation5

Facebook: www.facebook.com/truetfan or www.facebook.com/true.talents

Author in the Spotlight

Hello! Today we have Jessica M. Chittester for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author

I have been writing since I was 10 years old. My passions and hobbies vary but my love for writing knows no boundaries. To date I’ve published three books (which I think is pretty decent for a 22 year old) and will one day publish more. I live at home with my family and my pets. For the most part I’m either working or slaving away at the keyboard, I can be found with my nose in a dinosaur encyclopedia or scribbling in a journal as new ideas for stories come to mind.


After talking with Jessica and asking her questions, here is what she had to say:

1.) What inspired the author to write the book(s)?

My most recent book is a poetry book that I had published through Createspace. I’ve been working on it since I started writing; I was about 10 years old at the time. It’s just a collection of every poem and lullaby that I’ve written throughout my writing career and I thought that it’d be a good time to get it published. I may write more poems in the future but, at the moment, it just felt like a good time to get it published. Plus, I like to see my work in book format and it’s my dream to one day walk into a book store and see someone skimming through my book.

2.) Who is your favorite author?

I’d have to say it’s a three way tie between J.K Rowling and J.R.R Tolkien and Stephen King. I’m in love with their story telling. But, the author of my favorite book is a paleontologist named Robert T. Bakker. ‘Raptor Red’ is my all-time favorite book.

3.) Do you outline?

Occasionally I do outline. If the book is going to be long but I want it finished quickly I will sit down and do an outline. It might not be the typical way that most people do it but it works for me. I write down how many chapters I’m planning on writing and then I’ll go back through and jot down ideas of what each chapter will be about. This helps keep me focused and on point.

4.) What is your routine?

I don’t really have a routine. I sit down at the computer, or at my notebook, I’ll but on Pandora radio or my favorite radio station, tell my family that I’ll be writing today and not to bother me, and then I just sit down and write.

5.) How do you market your book?

I don’t really market my book. I post my work on Facebook, tell my family and friends about it, and sometimes I look around for people or places that are interested in doing a book signing. I also do the occasional table at a craft show and I try to bring a few copies of my books to these and sell that at my table.

6.) What do you do when you aren't writing?

When I’m not writing I like to spend time with my rabbits (two of them – they’re my boys, Copper and Bun Bun) and dog (Honey – she’s my little baby girl). I also spend time with my family and my fiancé. And I also read and go for walks.

7.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Most of the time my ideas come from my dreams and day dreams. They’re so vivid that I just have to write them down; if I fail to do so, they will haunt me until I do. I had a dream that stayed with me for three days – I didn’t get any sleep until I wrote it down. It made for a long week.

8.) How do you get over writer's block?

That’s a hard one to answer. I suffer from writer’s block a lot. I think it mostly has to do with my brain always being in a whirlwind. I’m always getting ideas for the next great story! I think the best way for me to get over it is to take a step back, breathe, and then look at my work as if I was the reader. I read it out loud; see what works for me and what doesn’t. Normally, this helps get the juices flowing. If this method fails, I drop that project and work on another until my mind gets a new idea for the old work and I go back to it.

9.) What project are you working on now?

I’m working on three at the moment. All are fiction.

There’s ‘Red Death’. It’s my zombie apocalypse book. I know that zombies have been done to death but I’m actually getting very good feedback from my beat readers. It’s unique and a different take on zombies and I have high hopes for it.

Then there’s ‘Dinosauria’. This book I’ve been working on since 2010…if not a bit before that. It’s an adult novel that has mainly dinosaurs as the characters. I love this story even though most people don’t want me working on it. They tell me that dinosaurs are for children. NOT! I’ve like dinosaurs since I was two years old and I’m tired of not seeing adult dinosaur fiction novels.

And last but not least is ‘The Bastard’s Club’. This is my first take on a romance novel – I’m hoping it turns out as nicely as it is in my head. The main characters are a mermaid and a dwarf prince. It’s different and I’m enjoying working on it.

10.) Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Yes. I’d like to thank them all for being supportive and patient with me. Also, thank you all for taking the time to read my work. I’m trying my best and I love you all.

And there you have from Jessica M. Chittester. Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.

Click here to buy Jessica's latest book!

You can reach her at the contact below:

Jessica's Facebook Page

Author in the Spotlight

Hello, today we have Matthew Drzymala with us for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author
My name is Matthew Drzymala and I come from Manchester, UK but now reside in Liverpool with my fiancée, Elaine. I'm 33 years old and started to write seriously when I was 28. I love to travel and see new places in the hope of sparking new ideas for my stories.

My stories are mostly humours, silly tales but I also write dark, tense stories from time to time, when the mood takes.

I love to read, except when I'm writing as my brain seems to want to explode if I'm writing a story. It doesn't want to know about reading a book before bed time on those occasions. When I'm not writing I'm either watching football, watching some quality TV with my other half or out with friends. I love to write, but I also love TV shows and films, all of which vie for my attention as much as the writing does.

After talking with Matthew and asking him questions, here is what he had to say.

1.) How did the author start writing?

I wrote stories when I was young but nothing much. I must admit that although I have always read lots of books, I came to writing quite late. I took part in NaNoWriMo in 2011 and completed the 50,000 word challenge in 28 days. It was a crazy month and mentally tiring but the sense of achievement afterwards was a real, natural high.

I attempted to perfect the novel I wrote but couldn't get it right, so I looked into a creative writing course to help me. I found one near home and took two courses between 2012 and 2013. It was a real eye opener and a fantastic experience. I wrote a lot of dark, psychological stuff in those courses and the majority of those lie gathering dust, waiting for me to given them a full re-write.

After that I just started to write some of the stories I did on the course and the rest is history really.

2.) Who is your favorite author?

I think my favorite author at the moment is Jo Nesbo. I just love his Harry Hole detective stories. I can pick them up and read them even when I'm not in the mood to read or when I'm in a writing phase. I find them effortless to read.

However, I have a number of authors I enjoy and would single out in the humour stakes it has to be Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. The worlds he creates, the constant one liners and the word play in his works never fails to bring a smile.

3.) What was your life like before becoming an author?

I would say just normal. I still hold the job I did. My life hasn't changed massively, I do now have a writing schedule (when I can) but my life is busy and it's not always easy to find time to write. I would love to have more time to write but I have many hobbies that vie for my attention. Maybe down the line writing will really overtake the others but I'm enjoying it at the moment and the more I enjoy it the more dominant it will become.

4.) What is your writing routine?

I try to write most Saturdays and Sundays from the early morning until noon. I write during the week rarely, but if I'm on a bit of roll, inspiration-wise I'll write as soon as I get home from work. Mainly it's weekend mornings/afternoons.

5.) How long have you been writing?

I have been writing seriously for 2 years but 4 if you could NaNoWriMo and my writing courses.

6.) Do you ever experience writer's block?

On many occasions. I tend to find lots of ideas for my stories but never ideas that instantly connect to each other. The bits in between I can struggle on for some time. However, it's all about writing through it I would say. You'll never get through the block by leaving it alone for weeks or months.

I try other stories or jot down random things and then suddenly I get ideas coming that suddenly seem to connect the missing links.

7.) How do you market your work?

I try to promote myself on Facebook groups and on Twitter in the main. I also try to conduct and

take part in as many interviews I can with fellow authors at the time of my release. I don't know how much it helps, but it has broadened my contact with indie authors.

It's such a great little world where everyone helps to promote you and wish you well. There's no bad feeling in the indie world I find and that is a rare thing in today's world.

8.) What project are you working on now?

I'm currently writing the next story in my Bumpkinton Tales series. This is a set of stories set in a fictional village full of colourful and quirky characters. It is quintessentially British in its humour but I think they are accessible to readers from outside of the UK too.

I wanted to try and make the next story into a novel, but I will have to see how far I can get before I decide if I'm stretching it out far too much. This will also be the third main story in the series (I have two short stories set at Christmas and two meatier novellas, Bittersweet and The Bachelor).

I plan to put what I have written so far into a paperback collection once this story is released as well as adding in a bonus story or two. I can't give much more away, sadly, not even the title, but all I can say is that it is my favourite story title of the series so far.

9.) What is your latest book?

My latest book is a short story called Albert's Christmas. It is a festive bonus story from my Bumpkinton Tales and centres around the village tramp, Albert Scatterhorn and the local priests, Whitworth O'Grady and Harrison Stawker. There's a crisis in the village when the resident dressing up as Father Christmas pulls out sick and they must find his replacement.

However, they are met with protests, a flirty florist and a vindictive journalist and with time running out, all hope seems lost. That is until somebody steps forward who the priests didn't quite expect.

10.) Do you have any advice to give aspiring writers?

Write. Just that. Just write. Some days it will flow, some days it won't. It's fun and exciting, it's slow and dull but in the end you'll be happy with what you have done. Regardless of what other people think of it, that is something you have poured your time, effort and love into and nobody can ever take that away from you.

Write. You'll love it.

And there you have it from Matthew Drzymala.

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do.

If anyone would like to contact Matthew or you have any questions, please feel free to. You can reach him at the contacts below.

Website- www.matthewdrzymala.com

Facebook- www.facebook.com/mattdrzymalaauthor

Twitter- www.twitter.com/mattdauthor

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1C4pTUe

Author in the Spotlight

Today, we have Tomara Jones with us, but her books can be found under T.N. Jones.

About the Author

Over the last ten years, I have gone off to college, left my home in New York City to live in Philly, had a child, graduated college, came back to New York, and told my “9-5” to take their job and shove it. Currently, I’m still in New York City where I have started my own business, Phoenix Jones Publishing LLC.

When I am not writing I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, listening to music, going to the gym, and baking cupcakes.

After talking with Tomara and asking her questions, here is what she had to say.

1.) How did the author get started writing?

I recently completed my first novel last year and that has been after many years of incomplete manuscripts. I have 2 books out now.

2.) What is the author's favorite author?

My favorite author is a combination of Dean Koontz and Eric Jerome Dickey. I loved the fear factor of Koontz and then I take a break with some juicy urban drama of Dickey.

3.) Do you outline?

I outlined for the novel I'm working on now but thats only because the ideas were coming faster than i could write them out fluidly enough for novel format. But typically I don't just kind of fly by the seat of my pants.

4.) What is your writing routine?

I try to write for at least 3 hours a day but the idea of typing is so tedious at times it does deter me. But my pique hours are typically at night.

5.) Where do you get your ideas from?

My weirdly hyperactive imagination and wild dreams. I dream in motion color, extremely vivid, sometimes too vivid. But most of my ideas are super exaggerated moments from my dreams or even experiences I've been through.

6.) What project are you working on now?

I'm working on a new fiction novel, more literary minded than my first two. It's a coming of age tale of 2 young kids growing up together and dealing with the insurmountable bad luck life throws at them.

7.) Do you experience writer's block?

 I usually get writer's block when some aspect of my personal life is in turmoil, when something is out of balance. My mind gets so consumed with that issue it can't focus on the task at hand.

8.) What genre do you write about?

My first 2 novels were in the Romantic Suspense genre, with some heavy adult content, but I'm a genre jumper. I'm writing a young adult novel and have some short stories in science fiction and dark fantasy.

9.) Have you experience a bad review? If so, does that have any affect on you?

 I have gotten some bad reviews and not so ecstatic comments on my work but it doesn't effect me much because I know and understand that everything isn't for everybody.

10.) Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

PAY FOR EDITING!!!!! I can not stress this point enough. I've paid to have my books published thinking that my 2 eyes caught everything just to have my editor tell me I've missed somethings or sentences are repetitive or don't flow as nicely as they should. So looking at about 200 books with errors (slaps forehead) is a hard lesson that other authors don't have to learn if they listen to me. LOL And also try to build an audience for your work via blog, or review swaps anything to get people interested in what you're writing so they get excited when you say your book is coming out soon.

There you have it from Tomara Jones.

Creative Director & Author

Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was nice meeting you. And I would like to wish you the best in everything you do.

If anyone would like to contact Tomara or you have any questions please feel free to. You can reach her at the contacts below.

http://www.phoenixjonespublishingllc.com

http://www.facebook.com/phoenixjonespublishing

http://instagram.com/phoenix_jones_writes

http://instagram.com/got_a_love_jones

Author in the Spotlight!

Hello, today we have Tumika Patrice Cain with us for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author

Tumika Patrice Cain is an award-winning author, media personality and publisher whose works centers around uplifting, encouraging and empowering others to live the abundant life. She is also an accomplished poet; founder of the Say What?? Book Club; and host of the radio shows Living Abundantly with Tumika Patrice Cain & Say What?? Author Spotlights. A champion for indie authors, she works tirelessly to level the playing field to bring exposure to those authors who excel at their craft, but don’t have the resources for a full marketing campaign. Living by the motto of each one reach one, each one teach one, Tumika shares her passion for purpose and for life with all who cross her path. She is the 2013 recipient of a Spoken Word Billboard award for her debut novel, Season of Change (December 2012).  To her publishing credit, she is also the author of After the Rain…a Poetry Collective (March 2014) and On the Pulse of Morning & The Heart of a Woman, both scheduled to release in 2015. Tumika’s works have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, newsletters and periodicals.



After chatting with Tumika and asking her questions, here's what she had to say.

1.) How did the author get started writing?

I was an early reader, so the love of words was already present. A second grade class assignment where poetry was introduced became my passion. I loved how I could play with words and express myself through them. It wasn’t until I was in junior high that I realized I had a gift.

2.) What did the author wish different about the book(s)?

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with my completed works. I can say that I gave it my best and wrote thoroughly. I do wish that I and my team had caught a few errors that slipped through, but I’m in the process of going through it again to clean those up before it goes into print again.

3.) How is your personal writing?

Different genres require a different process….at least for me. With poetry and most of my blog posts, the content comes quickly and in a flood.  With poetry, I prefer to write free hand.  With blogs, I usually type it up as the words flow.  When it comes to fiction, I like to create a character profile for each character. The perfect writing environment is one with a gentle breeze blowing, incense burning and depending on my mood, possibly music playing.  It’s very peaceful and relaxing…couple that with a comfortable chair and I’m good.

4.) Who is your favorite author?

My favorite is Maya Angelou. I was in grade school when I read her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It was the first time I had read anything like that. Her words and her delivery had a profound impact on me. Through her books, I not only discovered that I could have a voice, but that I could, and should, express myself. I found validation through what she had written.

5.) What do you do when you aren't writing?

I am a single parent, worker, daughter, sister, friend, confidante, publisher. There are a million and one things that vie for my attention. I write book reviews for a couple of sources, write a column for a magazine. When I have time, I enjoy cooking, hosting small dinner parties, interior design, reading for pleasure. I listen to music, exercise, go to movies, etc. I am a multi-faceted person who enjoys simple pleasures and rare moments when I get to relish in a quiet, unhurried moment in time.

6.) How do you market your work?

There are a number of things I do to keep my books present on social media – share excerpts, purchase links, trailers, as well as sharing other writings that I do. With hosting radio programs, I am also able to share on those broadcasts about the books.  I also use attractive promo cards that I pass out wherever I go. Things like interviews, blog posts, linking up with others in the industry, book signings, events, etc. are all ways to help keep the books circulating. Visibility is the key.

7.) What genre do you like?

I write fiction in the contemporary women’s fiction genre. I also write poetry and blog. At some point, I’ll branch into other genres.

I enjoy reading in a variety of genres: some fantasy, romance, women’s contemporary, historical romance, poetry, urban lit, self-help, relationships, literary fiction.

8.) How do you get over writer's block?

I write in multiple genres. Because of this, I can usually write consistently, even if not in the same genre. When I am blocked, I find that it’s an internal issue I am not ready to face. I allow myself to get quiet, then ask myself the real questions: what am I trying to not deal with? What am I afraid of? Getting to the root of those questions, will allow me to see what’s really going on, deal with it and move on and the writing can begin again.

Sometimes ‘performance anxiety’ can cause a writer to block. To which I say, give yourself permission to just write. It’s even possible to feel like you are in competition to write better than your last work. That’s too much pressure to put on yourself.  Step back a moment and realize that each character tells their own story the way they want to and that you are just the vessel the story is flowing through. Remembering that you are not in competition with the next person and that you have your own journey to walk, can be wonderfully liberating.

9.) What project are you working on now?

I am working on my second novel, which happens also to be the second book in the Seasons series, entitled On the Pulse of Morning. In my last response, I mentioned the pressure we put on ourselves to measure up to one thing or another. This book was scheduled to come out months ago. A glitch in my computer caused me to be set back for quite some time. I determined that I was not under any kind of obligation to have it out by a certain time.  I didn’t want it to be rushed. So I am taking my time. Now, it’s slated for release in June in time for my book club’s event, Say What?? Book Club Presents Brunch with Your Favorite Authors. I’d much rather give my readers a well-crafted, well-written story versus one that has been rushed.

I’m also working on a collection of poems, anecdotes and random Tekaisms that should be out by the first of March.  It’s entitled, The Heart of a Woman.

10.) What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer or indie author?

Be true to your authentic literary voice. Everyone has their own voice, their way of presenting a story and their own stories to tell. Don’t do what everyone else is doing.  Readers can tell when a story is being forced.  Vow to give them the best that you have each time. Decide what kind of experience you want to share with your readers and then brand yourself to be consistent. Learn as much about the business as possible. Get a mentor. Mentors can provide invaluable resources, advice and feedback. Develop tough skin. Not everyone is going to like your work and that is okay. Finally, have fun! Writing should be a pleasure, not a chore.

There you have it from Tumika Patrice Cain. Thank you for allowing me to do this interview. It was great meeting you.

If anyone has any questions for Tumika, please feel free to ask her.

Website- www.TumikaPatrice.com

Click below to purchase Season of Change.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B0YHXA0

Click below to purchase After the Rain...A Poetry Collective.
http://amzn.to/15ADuVQ

Author in the Spotlight!

                   

   


Today, we have Michael Walsh with us for Author in the Spotlight.

About the Author:

Michael was born and raised in Westfield, Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Debra, and has been for 33 years. Together they have two wonderful sons and five grandchildren. Both he and his wife have lived in multiple locations throughout the country. Currently, Mike and his wife reside in the "smallest city" in Vermont due to a promise he made her prior to their marriage thirty years ago.

He was also a war veteran who served his country proudly. He spent many years working in the computer industry. He then took a stab at writing and has written more than 13 books.

For a list of books written by him, see "More Books By This Author Page".


After chatting with Michael and asking him questions, here is what he had to say.

1.) What inspired the author to write books?

My inspiration for writing comes from our grandchildren. Through my writing I get to leave something of myself for them.

2.) What was the hardest part to write in the books?

For me the hardest part is anything emotional. I am normally not the one that shows emotion. In my writing I manage to do it. It surprises me.

3.) Do you outline?

I do not outline. I did on my first couple of stories. I found as I was writing I didn't follow it. Since then I found it better, for me, to not do it. Typically, before I start a story, I know the beginning and the end of it. I let the story drive the rest.

4.) What is your routine?

I usually try to write when I am alone. Usually when my wife is at work and our nine year old grandson is at school. I often have some soft rock or classical music playing in the background.

5.) Who is your favorite author?

I would have to say James Fennimore Cooper and Tom Clancy, Angie Harris writes a great fantasy.

6.) What do you do when you are not writing?

I am retired while my wife, who is younger than I am still works. Consequently, I take care of the house while she works and babysit for our nine year old grandson during the week.

7.) How did you choose the genre you write in?

The first chapter of my first book was written in 1982. I knew then as the events were unfolding that I would some day tell the story. Twenty-seven years later I finally did it. It was the emotions of that story that prevented me for that long. The story was Kaeleb's Dad, the story of our youngest son being a near-miss SIDS child.

I initially wrote non-fiction. It was easy for me to describe events in my life. I changed to writing fantasy after that only because the stories came easily to me.

8.) Do you have a new book coming out soon?

My latest book is The Wizards Return. It is the final story to the Wizards of Now. It just came out in 12/14.

9.) What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer or
indie author?

The biggest piece of advice I would give is to be patient. It doesn't happen overnight. Don't be afraid to try and to learn. It is the only way you will progress as a writer.


More Books By Mike Walsh:

Fantasy

• Whetstone Chronicle
• Largo of the Whetstome Chronicle
• Gillbrath
• James of Elan
• Knights of Forever
• Key of Wands
• Time of Now
• The Wizards of Now
  (3 books in 1)
• The Wizards Return

Non-Fiction Books

• Kaeleb's Dad
• Just Some Old Man
• Eddie's Method

You can find more books by Mike Walsh on Amazon or visit his website:

http://mikesbookgallery.weebly.com/

You can also find him on Facebook; he'd love to hear any feedback from you on his books.

Author Interviews!

I am reaching out to authors and we are working together to get each other exposure. I am hosting author interviews next month as well on my blog. I am looking forward to helping my fellow author friends. If you are a author and would like to get recognized then please send me your email address and I will get back with you for an opening. #writers #writerslife #authors

Anatomy of a Writer: Guest Post by author Sydney Arrison

Writing comes as natural to me as breathing. Someone recently asked me "how long have you been writing?" My reply was, I don't remember a time that I didn't write. When I was a child I began to write. It helped me express all of the sorrow and pain I felt. I remember looking at this catalog filled with toys. I didn't want the Easy Bake oven or the latest Barbie...I wanted a typewriter. I was overjoyed on Christmas to find it sitting under the tree. I would spend hours in my room writing short stories and poems.

I was withdrawn and painfully shy, but somehow managed to find my voice when I wrote. Writing allowed me to travel to places I've never been, to see things I've never seen. To feel safe, protected and loved. I remember writing my first poem in third grade.

My teacher wanted me to read it in front of the class. Knowing I was too shy to do so, she decided to read it for me. It was entitled "Spring is like".


Spring is like a new born baby.
Spring is like a very pretty lady.
Spring is like the birds and the bees.
Spring is like the flowers and the trees.
In all that in one makes spring.

Weird how I STILL remember that. I know if I can imagine it, I can write it.


Sydney's latest book "My Heart in Seoul" can be purchased at the following link: http://amzn.com/B00G1J1346