Author Interviews

Author Name: DL Edwards
Location: Northeast Ohio
Genres: Mystery / Romantic Suspense
Current titles on market: SWEET DREAMS

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
A guilty pleasure by all means. I work a very demanding full time job and have a husband and a 10 year old
daughter. Writing is about the only thing I do that is strictly for me but until my writing is paying the bills instead
of adding to them, I have to keep working. But I refuse to stop writing, even if that means I have to steal or sneak
every second of that time away from something else, like sleeping.
2. Why do you write romantic suspense?
Because I love to read it, watch it in movies and make it up in my head. I thought about writing straight romance,
but if someone doesn't die, I'm just not interested. There has to be that fear, that nail-biting terror of what might
happen on the next page that keeps me into my own work. Because if I don't care what's going to happen next,
my readers sure won't. That's why I like to pile it on.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I'm laughing at this question, because I am a definite "Just to it!" girl. I started SWEET DREAMS at an intense
scene that is somewhere in chapter two now. That scene exploded out of me, I didn't even think about it being a
novel at that time. But when I did start thinking of it as part of something bigger, I had to figure out, not only
what happens next, but how did my characters get to that point. I thought I'd be smarter with my next novel and
started an outline. Guess what? It wasn't working for me. So I started with an explosive scene, had my characters
react to that and now I know them, they are real for me. But now I find myself working out from the middle again.
I guess the key is to find what works best for you and embrace it. There's no right or wrong way as long as it
works for you.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Emptying my head of some of the crazy things going on inside it. I love watching the movies playing inside my
brain while my fingers fly over the keyboard trying to get it all down. Until I met some other writers, I was more
than half afraid I had a problem. But now I know I am not alone, I'm OK with being nuts, as long as I'm not alone.
5. What comes easiest to you?
I think the ideas. It took me so long to finish my first novel, not only because of the limited amount of writing
time I actually have, but because as I was working, another great, spooky, disgusting, sexy idea would pop into
my head and I'd start following it like a little lost puppy dog, wanting so much to know where it was heading. So
staying focused is my all-time hardest challenge.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Worrying about spelling or correct comma use, that kind of thing. Hate it! I have stories to tell, I don't want to
waste time worrying about if I should use manikin or mannequin!
7. When do you write?
Either very early in the morning before everyone is up or very, very late at night after everyone is in bed.
(probably why I don't care much about the correct use of a comma). But my favorite time to write suspense is at
night. My brain is a scary place anyway, but late at night it really can come up with some crazy stuff. I do most
of my revisions in the morning after a couple of cups of strong coffee.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Music mostly. When I was a kid (teens) I would have my radio on 24/7, I even slept with it on. I would dream up
all kinds of things with that music going on inside my brain. I love to listen to songs that don't tell too much of a
story or only give a slice of emotion, that way I can add my own story to it. I actually make a CD for whatever
I'm working on with certain music that I want to listen to while I'm writing certain scenes. And if I'm trying to
work out something in my story, I'll listen to that CD in the car over and over until something finally clicks. So if
Hollywood ever calls, I've got the soundtrack all set to go.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
Oh, I'd have to say the escape. I try to take a reader away, even if for just a little while. But while they are there,
they're all mine. I want them to make them sweat along with my characters. I want them hot and bothered, scared
to death or really pissed off, depending on what's going on in the story. When they are finished with my novel, I
want them to feel like they've actually been to see the movie.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I'm hard at work on my second novel, SLEEP TIGHT, not a sequel (too tired of the characters in my first novel-
they lived in my brain for almost ten years). But it is the same kind of novel, fast paced, dark, scary and sexy.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Do it. Don't let anything stop you. Things will slow you down (money, kids, husband, job) but nothing can stop
you, if don't let it. Just remember, you are responsible for your own happiness and if writing does it for you, do
it, if only for an hour a week, do it. Dream big, dream often and don't let anything stop you.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Nikki Leigh (Fiction) & Shri Henkel (Non Fiction)
Location: Virginia, US
Genre and Topics: Contemporary and Historic Women's Fiction, Business Management and Marketing Topics
Current titles on market: Being released in next 6 months Stormy View - Cont Women's Fiction - March 20006
365 Business Mistakes to Avoid - February or March 2006 Widows Walk - Historic Women's Fiction - Summer
2006

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
It is all three at different times. I have a definite passion for creating the stories and the characters that I think will
touch the reader. My nonfiction is a compulsion because I freelance full time and need to pay the bills. It is a
guilty pleasure because I love what I'm doing.
2. Why do you write women's fiction?
I write women's fiction with strong female characters to overset the numerous people I know who use life's
inconveniences and difficulties as a reason to bury their head. I throw a lot of major problems at my characters,
but provide them with the personality traits to overcome them. I would like to think seeing normal women
overcoming problems might encourage real women to work to succeed in their lives. I write my non fiction
because I know how many business owners and managers honestly need help and I want to share my successes
and failures in the hope that I can help them be better prepared to run their business.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I used to just do it, but now I write a loose synopsis and then dive into an outline which I know will change, but it
gives me direction. This has been especially in my trilogy to ensure each book works into the puzzle the way I
want.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Being able to meet and develop my characters. I also enjoy the power of creating a setting that fits my character's
lives. It is also incredible when someone reads your books and "gets" what you are trying to say.
5. What comes easiest to you?
The initial idea. I've got many ideas but need time to dedicate to them.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Endless edits. They are necessary but I like the chance to put the story away for a short time and then I can
experience it all over again.
7. When do you write?
I write all the time. I began freelancing in July 2005 and usually work between 9 am and 11 pm most days. That is
a wide variety of writing projects and then I crash :)
8. Who or what inspires you?
Seeing the story coming together keeps me going, but my characters inspire me and sometimes they educate me. I
love when the story begins to write itself and the characters take over the story. Only other writers can
understand how that feels. Everyone else just thinks I'm crazy :)
9. How do you think readers benefit from your works?
I want to show them a strong woman who can make it either on her own or with the support of a good man.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I am still working on the draft for my Business Mistakes book. The publisher is talking about another business
book when I finish this in a few weeks. I'm hoping he accepts my book marketing idea and I know he's interested :)

11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Don't give up on your dream. You must have confidence in yourself and the drive to make it happen. Don't
convince yourself its easy because its not, but its worth the work and struggle that it takes to "make it".
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Location: California. Is that a country?
Genre(s) or Topics: Literary fiction and poetry, generally with a theme of tolerance. Unfortunately, due to
branding difficulties, everyone thinks of me ONLY as THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER.
Current titles on market: THIS IS THE PLACE, HARKENING: A COLLECTION OF STORIES
REMEMBERED, TRACINGS, a chapbook of poetry, and THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO
DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T plus anthologies and forewords for books published by Andrews
McMeel.

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Ha! It's what I do. When I didn't, I got sick. Simple as that.
2. Why do you write literary fiction?
I write to share the parts of me that can't safely stay corralled.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I break all the rules. Not laws, but rules. In writing. In life. It causes me lots of grief but I don't like to plan, I like
results.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Gotta be that sharing aspect. Even THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER was an exercise in sharing what I
learned the hard way.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Metaphor. Symbol. Simile. On good days they come to the page unbidden.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Can't think of a thing.
7. When do you write?
I'm best early morning when I've been dreaming poetry or prose in those hours just before I'm complete awake.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Everything. But I am most inspired when I travel. I hate to say I've been all over the world - that's one of those
exaggerations that can always be challenged. But I'm working on it.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your works?
I can only hope that when they turn the last page of THIS IS THE PLACE or HARKENING that they feel they
have something, know something, they didn't start out with.
9. What's up next on your keyboard?
A novel-sort of a combination courtroom drama/literary piece-with a parallel theme to the story of King Minos of
Crete. It's called Laybyrinth. I'm also ashamed to say it has been languishing for more than a year.
10. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Don't give up. Don't let anyone-including that destructive voice inside you-tell you that your desire to write isn't
important enough.
11. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Judith Laura
Location: near Washington DC
Genres or Topics: Fiction. Have also written two Goddess spirituality books; published poetry
in journals, anthologies; and separate career as health writer and editor.
Current titles on market: Beyond All Desiring, a novel (2005); Three Part Invention, a novel (2002); Goddess
Spirituality for the 21st Century: From Kabbalah to Quantum Physics (1997); She Lives! The Return of Our
Great Mother (1989)

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Closest to compulsion, I guess. It just seems to be part of who I am.
2. Why do you write fiction and poetry?
My favorite thing to write is fiction. Poetry, second. I like to write them best because they allow me to(try)to use
words as an art form.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I use outlining with non-fiction. The reason for writing a nonfiction book is usually because I feel I have
something important to communicate and usually there is an element of uniqueness about it. For fiction, I never
outline - I just let my right brain roam free. For me part of the kick of writing fiction is to see what will come - so
outlining it defeats the purpose (for me). I do make notes as I go along so that I remember important parts of the
plot, character description, etc. For me, a fiction book usually starts with one or more characters. The characters
then develop the story.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
The process, the feeling of "flow." For me, writing fiction and poetry is allowing myself to be on a different wave-
length (i thinks it's called alpha state) than everyday thinking.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Writing.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Trying to get published, promoting.
7. When do you write?
When I'm working on a project - especially fiction - I try to begin my day by writing it - so I'm writing before my
mind gets muddied by the mundane.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Life, people, could be just about anything...
9. How do you think readers benefit from your works?
I hope my nonfiction helps them see things more clearly than they did before,and I've been told I have a particular
talent for explaining complicated things in a way that is simple, but not "dumbed-down."
For fiction, I hope my novels and short stories enable readers to see the world in different ways, to enter into
characters and see and feel the world from different points of views.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I'm trying to motivate myself to get my poems together and see if I can interest a publisher.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Only write if you MUST. If there are other things that can make you happy - do them. If you find writing
difficult - try to find something that comes to you more easily and without pain. Being a writer is too difficult,
frustrating, and with few rewards to select it as a career or vocation unless you feel it as a "vocation" in terms of a
"calling." I realize this sounds a bit discouraging so let me try to phrase it more positively: To me, writing is not
something you "aspire to"; it's something you do because if you don't do it, your life is incomplete and you feel
you are not living up to what you are supposed to be doing in this lifetime.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Lea Schizas
Location: Quebec, Canada
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Current titles on market: "The Rock of Realm" published by Star Publish and a short story "Cassiopeia" in the
anthology "Behind The Doorbell."

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
All three: It's a passion knowing there are readers out there who enjoy my yarns; it's a compulsion to write in
order for me to keep my sanity with outside commitments-any opportunity to steal a minute here and there away
from my clan of six, either in the bathroom or this walk-in closet I have, with my laptop, and pretend to be one of
my characters is an adrenaline rush for me without worrying about any side effects taking to a bottle or drug; and
it's pleasure to see how the whole story, characters and plot, come together at the end. That emotional release, the
awe at what one can accomplish is a feeling I will never tire of feeling.
2. Why do you write Young Adult Fantasy?
Although one may think my above answer states it all, it truly doesn't; above was a personal emotional sense. The
true reason I write is to make sure my brain cells keep moving but to also offer readers, in my case children,
stories that reflect some sort of an entertainment value mixed with an educational aspect, but without them
knowing this. How many children are there who hated or were afraid of their first haircut? In my now in the
process to be published book "I Don't Want a Haircut", I offer children a whimsical look at how silly one little
boy's fear is and what he imagines is happening to him. With this, I am hoping they will see a haircut is nothing to
be afraid of.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
Well, I ‘just do’ a lot of things but for my stories I come up with a title first, and off I go. For some reason, the
title sparks that necessary ‘get off your butt and write’ mood I need.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
My characters. How cool is it to ‘be’ your character? Ever wanted to bite the neck of one of your in-laws…well
as a vampire I’ve had this pleasure. Ever wanted to be known for the sleuth that you always wanted to be…as a
young teen with ESP visions of past and future murders, I’ve been there, done that. Ever wanted to be able to
grant wishes to the needy…yep, been there, done that. So, you can gather from my answer, pretending to be one
of my characters is my turn on.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Coming up with characters. I have the perfect household to come up with all the loons I want.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Having to go back and check whether or not I spelled ‘you’ or ‘ewe’. Wish they’d invent something that would
yell at you, something like that red envelope that screams at you when you’ve been bad in Harry Potter.
7. When do you write?
My day usually starts 6:30AM when the loons are all asleep and continues till about 11:PM, when this loon
needs to sleep. I write any chance I can seeing how I closed my fulltime business now to be a fulltime starving
writer.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Who: my 12 year-old daughter has to be the one who truly inspires me. She has such an imagination (like her
mom, of course) that it only binds me to my storytelling to make sure she continues with her own tales. Making
sure she sees and understands why I write only prods me to be ‘her’ role model by being vigilant and as close to a
schedule as possible.
What: the need for a bigger house where I can have my own study…with a lock.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your works?
Not sure how to answer this without sounding as though I am preaching alongside Oral Roberts. Having written
both fiction and nonfiction, each story/article/book has its qualities a reader can take from. My stories are
entertaining to please someone while sipping their latte/tea/soda, intense to place a few goose bumps on their
skins, and informative to give them some extra knowledge they may have not known before.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I’m right now half way done Book Two of The Rock of Realm, along with 4 other novels I am writing. There is
also an anthology titled Aleatory’s Junction I coordinated with some of my MuseItUp members, with an
interested publisher already. The last book, 19 writers in all, is in the hands of Double Dragon Publishing and to
be released February 2006, titled "THE MUSE ON WRITING" in both print and ebook formats.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
To stay away from negative people and to get a tough skin when those rejections start coming in. Think of them
as a positive thing: rejections mean you’re adamant and submitting your work. So pat yourself on the back
because you are doing more than the ‘wanna-be’ writers. But the biggest advice I can give is to seriously get that
notion out of your head that you will make a bundle from your first book. There’s a lot of legwork involved, so
anything and everything you can read on promotions and marketing even before you finish that book of yours,
read them. It’s better to know where you’re headed than be surprised with what’s in store once those two
favorite words a writer anxiously waits to place, ‘The End’.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Avie Townsend (Fiction)& Avis A Townsend(Non Fiction)
Location: (state or country will do)New York, US
Genres and Topics: Women's Fiction, all stories centered in Western New York; Animal-related stories and
anthologies (preaching/teaching); Western New York History
Current titles on market:
From Arcadia Publishing: Newfane/Olcott; Wilson; Albion and Medina to be released December 5, 2005.
From Heliio: Pet Tales: Unconditional Love for the Humans Who Love Them
Switching from Page Free: Winter Mournings
Soon to be Published: A Different Flavor by eXtasy Pearls.
Several Anthologies, the latest being Rocking Chair Reader from Adams Media

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Both. It pays little to nothing per hour of writing, it is frustrating and depressing when rejections come in, yet I
can't quit. My former editor at our local newspaper said writing was in my blood and I'd never stop.
2. Why do you write?
I write to teach and inform. My history books have taught me much about the locations I covered, and I hope
they inform the other people who read them. I take pride in my work and I want everything to be perfect if
possible, as it reflects on me.
An animal lover, I put pets in my works of fiction, showing readers how they should be taken care of. My pet
anthology was geared to educate without preaching. Some people should never own pets but don't realize it. I am
currently working on the story of a wild horse I owned for 14 years. The book shows people how to read a
horse's body language, how to bond, and how to train without cruelty.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I get an idea in my head and go with it. Winter Mournings started out as a 1,500 word story for Women's World,
but it took over and became and 86,000 word novel.
Since then I've become more focused, get an idea and wonder how it could help others. However, my next book, A
Different Flavor, was an escape from current reality and memories of a time in my life 20 years ago when life was
fun, carefree and insane. I used my and others' experiences of a Sex-and-the-City type lifestyle and converted
them into the story of two people. Most of the things in that story happened to someone I knew and hung out
with in our wild and single days.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
I can get an idea and turn it into a story or book. It is crazy while I'm creating, but once the project is finished, it is
such satisfaction.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Writing the entire book in my head. Then comes the task of actually putting the words in the computer. If I could
type a thousand words a minute it would be great. I thought of getting one of those voice activated attachments,
but I can't speak my words, only think them, so I'd need a mind-reading attachment.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Marketing myself. It's a necessary evil. I'd rather write and hide in a corner, be invisible, yet famous, and have
everyone wonder who I was.
7. When do you write?
Whenever I can squeeze it in.
8. Who or what inspires you?
For my greatest inspiration, I watch "Inside the Actors Studio" on Bravo Network. I find it inspiring listening to
the actors tell about the early times, how they started out, what they had to do to succeed. Writing is very much
like acting in my mind. I work part time jobs to support my craft while waiting for the big break.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work(s)?
I am hoping they take away a lesson of some sort, whether it be how to handle a relationship in my fiction, or
learning a piece of history or information in my non-fiction.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I am interviewing an 82-year old millionaire art collector/philantrhopist/world traveler. He was born into money
and used it to support local artists. His life is so colorful I'm worried the book could grow to enormous
proportions. After that, I'm continuing on with my creative non-fiction story about 7 famous sisters that lived in
this area...But not until I finish the horse story and send that out to several agents. And of course, there's the
sequel to Winter Mournings....it never ends.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Don't let anyone discourage you. If your biggest accomplishment is having a letter to the editor published in a
local paper, celebrate that letter and cut it out and put it in a scrap book. Keep writing.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Cheryl Wright
Location: Australia
Genre(s) or Topic: Non-fiction (mostly for writers) and also romantic suspense, various short stories and essays.
Current titles on market: Think Outside the Square: Writing Publishable (Short) Stories
I Wanna Win – Tips for Becoming an Award Winning Writer
Outside the Square Fiction Workshop
Saving Emma

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Writing is absolutely a passion and a compulsion, but I never feel guilty doing it. I love it, love it, love it!
2. Why do you write?
I write because I must, and because it gives me pleasure. It sounds rather stupid I know, but I honestly believe I
was born to write, and until I did, I wasn’t truly happy. And strangely enough, I didn’t really start writing
seriously until I found I was unable to go back to my day job because of a chronic lung condition.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
It depends on what I’m writing, but for non-fiction I write a rough outline of the table of contents. That’s
generally expanded as I go along. For fiction I write up three to six pages of a very rough outline of the story.
More often than not I don’t stick to it, but it gives me a guide to work with. (I’m what they call a ‘pantser’. I
write ‘by the seat of my pants’ not with a plot.)
4. What turns you on most about writing?
More than anything the fact that it brings joy or enlightenment to others. The thought that other people want to
read what I have written – it still blows me away!
5. What comes easiest to you?
None of it is really easy; writing can often be hard work, but if I have to pin it down, I’d probably have to say
fiction. Just to be able to lose myself in a totally different world, to manipulate my characters to do whatever I
want, is what makes me the happiest and I find the easiest to do. (Did I tell you I’m a control freak? Lol)
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Editing. Ack! Hate it, but it has to be done. <sigh>
7. When do you write?
I write absolutely every day. Usually for at least four hours, and often eight or more.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Anything and everything. There’s a great big world of ideas out there.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
With my non-fiction books, other writers learn to craft their work better. I’ve been a trainer for many years, and
these books have benefited from that experience.
With my fiction, readers benefit by having an escape from the real world for a while.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I’m currently working on two books. One is a non-fiction book (for writers) about finding resources, and the
other is a romantic suspense novel.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Never, ever give up. Push negative thoughts aside, and don’t hang out with negative people. Find the positives in
everything.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Hill Kemp
Location: Northwest Louisiana forest and lake country.
Genre: Political thriller.
Current titles on market: Capitol Offense(ISBN 1-878096-70-2), Secrets, Fact or Fiction? (ISBN 0-9737282-5-
6), Writer's Tips- Essays on writing( E-Book)

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
With me writing is a passion and a newly discovered one. I don't know where this drive to write was for the first
55 years of my life, but it's a vital part of my life now.
2. Why do you write suspense?
I think that many readers need the pull of suspenseful developments to keep them reading. I know there are all
kinds of other good writing, but I think suspense is most available.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I start with only a dozen or so major milestones in the plot and a list of point-of-view characters. I then write 5 or
6 pages, single spaced on each of those POV characters. Stuff that will never make it into the book, but enough to
make them complex and multi-dimensional to ME. I then put the characters into the opening scene and off we go.
See my article in Writers Tips for more on this.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
I like to hear readers positive response to my writing, but by far my greatest reward is those depths in me that
my writing continues to uncover. I have recovered several very important years of my life that were completely
lost before I started writing - and this from a novel that has only reached manuscript level. If it never gets
published it doesn't matter, I've already reaped a vast benefit from it.
5. What comes easiest to you?
The writing when the characters have taken hold of the novel and we are running with it. It's like being on
adventure with close friends.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
The vagaries and stupidity of dealing with the publishing and distribution aspects of being a writer who's not
famous.
7. When do you write?
I try to clear a full day, get myself immersed in the flow and the characters then write for several hours. It often
results in several chapters. That's what works best for me.
8. Who or what inspires you?
"Do not write to be understood. Write to understand." C.D. Lewis. That's my inspirational quote. Writing has
given me back big parts of my life.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
I have been in and seen the insides of government workings and my writing reveals those areas that most people
would never know existed. It's like being a tour guide to someone's own backyard revealing to them new and
surprising things there.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
A children's novel I'm co-writing with my 10-year-old granddaughter with three 4th graders exploring the meaning
of friendship. And also an insiders look at governing in the State of Louisiana. I always keep at least two projects
going so that is I get stuck or need a break from one, I have another waiting for me.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Read. Read. Read. In those areas close to where you want to write, but also in almost a random pick from the
library. Explore other writing approaches and styles and see what you get from them. Then: Write. Write. Write.
Don't worry about editing, spelling or anything else. Get your whole story into a file or on paper then go back and
read it and go to work on it.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Book site and another book site . The E-book, Writers Tips, is available by emailing me: hillkemp@aol.com

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Author Name: Kristie Leigh Maguire
Location: Nevada
Genre: Ultra-Sensual Romance
Current titles on market: Desert Heat, Cabin Fever, No Lady and Her Tramp

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
I suppose I would have to say that writing is both a passion and a guilty pleasure. Writing is my passion and I
take a guilty pleasure in doing it now that I no longer have much time to devote to my own writing since I started
a publishing company.
2. Why do you write romance?
I write ultra-sensual romance because that is what I like to read. There is a difference between writing ultra-
sensual romance and erotica. I find it more difficult to write ultra-sensual romance where sex scenes are conveyed
more with emotion and sensuality than with telling every little act using vulgar slang words. But don't get me
wrong. My writing is HOT! I had one reader, a guy, tell me that Viagra could be replaced by reading a Kristie
Leigh Maguire book!
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I "just do it." An outline and/or synopsis does not work for me. I have to give my characters free rein to do as
they please. If I fight them, my stories sound stilted and unnatural.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Bringing new characters and their world to life. Getting those ideas that are in my head down on paper. Hearing
from the readers how much they enjoyed a story that I created.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Descriptive writing. I have been told that is my strong point in my writing.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Editing. Reading the book after it has been published. By the time I get the story to the publication stage, I have
no desire to look at it again.
7. When do you write?
Whenever I can find the time but usually in the afternoon.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Readers telling me that they enjoyed a story that I created. This is enough to make me want to do it all over again.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
The escapism of the stories that I create. Giving them a chance to escape the everyday doldrums of life.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
Nothing at the moment. I just published book two of my Affairs of the Heart series, Cabin Fever. My creative
side is taking a break.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Get the story out of you head and onto your computer. Nobody can read it in your head but yourself. Edit the
heck out of it before sending it off to a publisher.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Lynda S Burch also w/a Lynda LaPorte (adult suspense)
Location: (state or country will do) Missouri USA
Genre(s) or Topics: Children's books & Adult Suspense
Current titles on market: Edge of Paradise (suspense), I Ride My Bicycle Book 1 & 2, Wicky Wacky Things that
GO! TRAINS 1, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! BOATS 1, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! BUSSES, Wicky
Wacky Things that GO!Wicky Wacky Things that GO! AIRPLANES 1, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! HOT
AIR BALLOONS, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! TRACTORS, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! TRUCKS 1,
Wicky Wacky Things that GO! AUTOMOBILES 1, Wicky Wacky Things that GO! EMERGENCY
VEHICLES, Zoom zoom zoom, Come Count with me!, I SEE Seaside Birds, I SEE Waterfowl, Meet Me at the
Park!, Stay Away From Electricity!, Weather or Not! SUMMER, Weather or Not! WINTER, Weather or Not!
SPRING, Weather or Not! FALL

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Obviously kids books are a compulsion- look at my list :) with over 100 in backlog inventory! I am the creator
and inventor of my musical e-books for kids and they just keep coming! It is sooo much fun.
2. Why do you write suspense?
Stories inside my head have to come out one way or another otherwise the characters would never let my brain
go! I adore my characters and love to watch them.
2b. Why do you write kids books?
I love the creativity of writing the music, lyrics, doing the photo art and turning them into books that kids can
grow and learn from. It's awesome to see kids getting into the music and snapping up the concepts and learning
from the books so quickly.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I just write suspense- the words just roll out! For kids books, sometimes a concept or the music comes first, the
lyrics other times and there are times I see picture that I have to take not knowing why or how but they turn into
a book down the road. When music pops in my head I repeat it over and over until I record it as quick as I can so I
don't lose it!
4. What turns you on most about writing?
I think the creativity inspires my brain. I have a hard time shutting off my head.
5. What comes easiest to you?
I think again for kids books, the music seems to "happen". I can see a concept or go to the butterfly house and
"boom" I hear music and I can't get home fast enough to write it on the computer! Check out the music
"Butterflies are Free" on my website and you can hear the butterflies- really!
6. What bores you silly about the process?
The endless promoting necessary to succeed in this business- I know you gotta do it but its more fun building the
books. I like to do presentations and musical readings for kids though- that's different.
7. When do you write?
I am definitely not a morning person so don't expect me at the computer early. I work a couple hours in the
middle of the day then life gets in the way- how dare the intrusion- and then I write maybe from 4-5 until 11:00 or
so before putting my computer to sleep at night.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Kids of all ages obviously. Even grown up people. I am a terrible voyeur and eavesdropper. I love to listen to
people talk and snapshot the moment in my head for future reference.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work(s)?
My kid's books have great tools for learning besides the music, lyrics and pictures that tell the story or teach a
lesson. My books include puzzles, seek and finds, questions and answers etc.
My adult suspense are good reads about mature adults (not young bunnies), with complicated plots, great settings
that make you want to be there and superb relationship development.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I don't think I will ever catch up with formatting and building my kids books- the folder piles keep growing
instead of diminishing! My suspense WIP's keep my head ticking around tangled plots and subplots.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
First write the words. Don't spend all your time elsewhere. And remember you can never, never sell a book if you
don't submit. Submitting is the name of the game.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site   and another au thor's site

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Author Name: Amey S Tippett
Location: Ohio USA
Genres: Romance, Y/A Science Fiction (still in progress)
Current titles on market: Alison's Journey

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
All three. I love to write and often can speak of nothing else, which is a major annoyance to many of my friends.
I'm compelled to write because if I don't, the stories run through my head anyway. I might as well put them on
paper. It's a guilty pleasure because I often do it in lieu of completing other projects.
2. Why do you write romance?
I love a happy ending. It's cheesy, but it's really the truth. I think it's wonderful to be able to write someone out
of a conflict and to make their lives better. If only that worked in real life!
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I tried writing with an outline, but I've found that my characters take on their own personalities, and they often
don't want to do what I've outlined. I've started just letting the stories flow. I find that I spend a lot less time
stumped about what to do with them next.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
The fact that I can create my own little worlds - they're in my head anyway - and let others see them. I like to
share my work with others, and it's always a pleasure to hear that someone really liked what I had to say.
5. What comes easiest to you?
The first chapter. I have a bunch of first chapters just lying around waiting to become full stories. Some of them
will be used, some of them will be pirated for use elsewhere, and some of them will end up sitting in a file, just
waiting.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Editing. It's not that it bores me so much as it makes my head hurt. I know you can't write everything well the
first time, but I'd like to think I didn't make quite that many mistakes.
7. When do you write?
Late at night. Early in the morning. In the middle of the day. Any time when I've been inspired to put more words
on the page.
8. Who or what inspires you?
I find myself inspired everything - from the sound of the wind outside to the fog on the reservoir that I cross
every morning on my way to work. Sometimes, it's just a phrase or a word that makes my mind go into overdrive.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
I think they instill hope in my readers. Alison's Journey is about getting out of abusive situations. I hope that it
will inspire someone in that situation to get help.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
A stack of things that need to be done, a JRR Tolkien quote, and a French art print. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, a cat
or two will decide to sleep there.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Keep at it. The more you write, the better you know yourself as a writer. You won't go anywhere if the words
never make it to the page.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Amy H. Kalinchuk, M.A.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Topic: How-To Nonfiction
Current titles on market: Making Soap In Your Own Kitchen

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
I suppose writing is a passion for me, because I am passionate about making money, and I write to sell. I've sold a
grand total of 4 books so far, so I'm on a roll. Totally. It's so awesome.
2. Why do you write suspense?
I'll tell you next week.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I write a sort of an outline, which turns out to be just a list, really. I add to the list as I get ideas while I'm writing,
and remove things at the end that I realize I didn't need.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
I love the idea that people will read my words and learn something. I am a teacher by day, so being able to teach
through writing a book is fulfilling for me. I also love the idea that I can write the book once, and sell it over and
over and over again. With soap, I have to keep making it. I enjoy making soap, but I'd rather sell my book.
5. What comes easiest to you?
The initial idea comes easiest to me. The thought that goes like this, "I should write a book about [topic]. Yeah.
Oh, and then the follow-up book will be [related topic]. And then the fans will write in, and the next book can be
[Q and A topic]. Man! I'm going to be rich!" Aaaand then I sit down to make my outline.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
The most boring part about writing a book is putting the pages together, typesetting. I'm detail oriented, so it
comes relatively easily to me, but it becomes tedious very quickly.
7. When do you write?
I write whenever I can. My book was written over the course of about 5 months, in total. I teach full time, teach
at the university part time, own a soap business, and help my husband with his business, so I write whenever I
can find a spare minute. Oh, and I help him out with our toddler when I'm home. Good lord. After reading that,
it's a wonder I can get up every morning. Sheesh.
8. Who or what inspires you?
People who have made something out of their lives out of a good idea are the kind of people who inspire me. My
friend Lee, who has a successful internet solutions business, comes to mind. He was one of the people to realize
how big the internet was going to be, before it even existed as we know it now. People who can find balance in
their lives also provide inspiration for me. People who can keep their houses clean all by themselves don't really
inspire anything in me, except unconscionable rage.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
Readers benefit from my work by learning a marketable skill! Soap making is simply a good business. People love
soap, everybody uses soap in some form, and handmade soap is the best kind of soap to use. It is the kind of skill
that gives great satisfaction to a crafty-type person. Making something from raw ingredients is a fulfilling pursuit.
I can provide that.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I am currently writing a guidebook for new teachers; I've been writing it for over a year. All of the other books for
new teachers really stink. New teachers need my advice, and they need it now.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
My advice is to then respire, again and again.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Book site

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Author Name: Marilyn Meredith
Location: So. Sierra foothills, CA
Genre(s): Mystery, Christian Horror, Ghost, Historical Family Saga
Current titles on market: The Deputy Tempe Crabtree series: Deadly Trail, Deadly Omen, Unequally Yoked,
Intervention, Wingbeat; The Rocky Bluff P.D. series: Final Respects, Bad Tidings; Other Mystery: Guild by
Association; Ghost Story: Kachima Spirit; Christian Horror: The Choice, Deeds of Darkness; Historical Family
Saga: Two Ways West

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
Actually, a little bit of all three. I am passionate about writing, I have to write, and I definitely enjoy it. I only feel
guilty when I have something really pressing I ought to be doing instead.
2. Why do you write what you write?
I love writing mysteries because in this world today, the bad guys often win. In my books, in the end, the
murderers are always caught. In my police procedurals, I wanted to show how what happens with cop's family
affects the job, and how the job affects his family. With my Christian horror, I wanted to show what might
happen if a Christian was thrust in the same kind of situation that you often see in horror movies.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
Usually, the idea comes first. I begin building with the characters first, once I know who they are they I can start
writing and know what they would or would not do under certain circumstances.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Being in a world that I have some control over-much different than the world that I live in.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Once I get started writing, I find it easy to start up in the place where I left off. I do this by quitting when I'm in
the middle of a scene that I know exactly what's going to happen next. When I begin writing it the next day , then
what comes next falls into place. I don't have to face the computer wondering what I'm going to write next.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
What I have a hard time with is not the writing, I like the whole process including the rewriting (probably my
favorite part.) What I don't like is the effort that I must put into promotion. I hate making phone calls, so I lot of
my first contacts with bookstores, libraries, writing groups, etc. is via e-mail.
7. When do you write?
My best time for writing is morning, but I'll write anytime I can fit it in.
8. Who or what inspires you?
When I began writing my Tempe books the women in law enforcement that I met doing ride-alongs and interviews
inspired me to write about a female deputy. A Native American woman I met along the way gave me the idea to
make Tempe part Native American. Since that time, I've met other native people who have inspired me and given
me ideas.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your works?
I hope that they enjoy themselves when they are reading my work and that they are transported to whatever
world I've created.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
I'm working on a new Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. This is the first one that I don't have the title for yet.
Usually they come to me before I've barely begun writing. In this one, Tempe makes a trip to Crescent City CA
and learns a lot about the Tolowa people.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Don't ever give up. If you want to be a writer you have to write and write and write. Never let rejection get you
down. You may be able to learn from the rejections. One of my Tempe books was rejected by an editor who said I
wrote to much like Agatha Christie. I took that as a compliment.
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Fiction

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Author Name: Nolan C. Lewis
Location: Ione, Washington - About as far East and north as you can go and still be in the state.
Genres: Mystery / Memoirs / Action / whatever
Current titles on market: MAULED, Murder Mystery (Cozy) sited in small WA coastal town.
IONE CIRCA 1930, Memoirs of growing up an small town. The second printing is about half sold.
CLOUDS ARE ALWAYS WHITE ON TOP, Subtitled: Flying The Box The B-17 Flying Fortress Came In, A
WW2, Air War Story.
Also published in several magazines: Gold Prospector, Cruising World, Trail Blazer, and a few others. Published
in Portland Oregonian and did a column in The Selkirk Sun, a local weekly for about a year.

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion, or a guilty pleasure?
I got into writing by compulsion - the compulsion of my favorite uncle (His name is Sam) and have been in and
out of it since. Have worked at a newspaper, in TV News, public relations where I did numerous half hour TV
shows. Sometimes it was just work, but mostly it pleasurable. Most of my passion I spent otherwise.
2. Why do you write in these genres?
Probably the same reason as above - compulsion, again someone else's. I wrote Clouds Are Always White and
tried to sell it everywhere I could. A publisher finally wrote " We like your writing, but the subject does not fit.
Why don't you try a mystery. So I wrote one. They then said "We only look at books if the author has a series of
three." I called and asked if they would buy them if I did two more like the first and they said "We can't say until
we see all of them." I have started a sequel, but not until after the first was printed.
3. How do you begin a book?
I think I have heard it referred to as seat of the pants. I start with a vague idea and go. The mysteries (I have the
sequel to MAULED, same good guys different bad guys - INVITATION TO MURDER at about 40,000 words)
I don't really know who or how until almost the end. I have several ideas for other sequels but slipped one of
them into the middle of this one. It would take the fun out if I knew how it was to end. The others are mostly
autobiographical so I knew I wanted them to end with me alive at least.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Watching the words appear on the page and wondering where they come from.
5. What comes easiest to you?
The writing... I work best under the pressure of a deadline. (See #7)
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Editing, although I do most of it as I go. Each session I start a couple chapters back and edit my way to the
writing so I get back into the story. And marketing has to be the worst of all.
7. When do you write?
I am very undisciplined. When I used to write a weekly column for the local paper I would put it off until the last
minute, and then write two or three columns at once. I procrastinate by reading email or other and surfing the net
looking for another market - then pull an all nighter/ or not. May do nothing for several days, then work for ten
hours. Not recommended.
8. Who or what inspires you?
I really don't know. I do know I can't write unless there is noise. My desk is in the corner of the living room with
a large window onto the street right in front of me so I don't miss anything going on in the neighborhood. The TV
is on across the room with, a football game at present, that I am sort of following. Guess it's left over from a
newsroom beginning, back when everyone was banging away on an old manual typewriter.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
Benefit is probably too strong a word. I hope they get some enjoyment. I have had some Emails from readers who
ask when my next will be out, so perhaps.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
As I mentioned above, I have the sequel to my cozy (INVITATION TO MURDER) about 2/3 done. I also have
started two nonfiction books. One about my experiences with FEMA during the Mt St Helens thing - I was
Emergency Service Director there. The other about the 1921 wooden boat I rebuilt. Also I have never done any
short stories so I just did one this last week to see if I could maybe sell something.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Go out and buy a lottery ticket. You'll have better odds of making money. Seriously, go for it but be prepared to
pay your dues. Unless you are very, very lucky it will take a while.
12. Where can we read more about your books?
Author's site

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Author Name: Brian Joseph
Location: North East USA
Genre: Visionary Fiction
Current titles on market: The Gift of Gabe

1. Is writing a passion, a compulsion or a guilty pleasure?
A passionate compulsion. It just has to come out.
2. Why do you write visionary fiction?
To communicate and to provoke thought and wonder.
3. How do you begin a book; outline, synopsis or do you 'Just do it!'
I write it in my head first then put it on paper. There are some changes when it gets to paper.
4. What turns you on most about writing?
Sharing it with others.
5. What comes easiest to you?
Connecting things.
6. What bores you silly about the process?
Nothing.
7. When do you write?
In my head while driving or just sitting. I put it to paper when I have a stretch of uninterrupted hours.
8. Who or what inspires you?
Life, love, existence, everyday miracles, music, poetry, wonder, and more and more and more.
9. How do you think readers benefit from your work?
It can increase wonder, provoke thought and help those who have had mystical experiences feel less alone in their
experiences.
10. What's up next on your keyboard?
Book 2 in what will probably be a trilogy.
11. What's your best advice for those who aspire?
Keep at it!
12. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Book site