Thursday 28 June 2012

Greg Walker

Author of: The Way It Is



Book blurb:

Twenty-year old Carson Rhodes flees his home in Arizona with fifty-thousand dollars in cash; his mission - to make sense of living in skin burdened by extensive port-wine birthmarks...or to end that life if he fails.

At a campground in Missouri he meets the beautiful Karen Hunter, unwittingly picked up by a local rapist while hitchhiking.

Cast as reluctant hero, Carson fends off her attacker, who in retaliation recruits a psychopath to aid in tracking them down.

After narrowly escaping the pair, Karen joins Carson on his journey. A collision with a deer postpones the trip and brings them to an abandoned church camp inhabited by a band of young adults, led by the idealistic Charlie.

At the camp Carson finds friendship and the stirrings of purpose, but conflict with a loner named Jonas threatens an explosive confrontation that could undo it all. Carson also must deal with his growing feelings for Karen, even as he realizes she can never be his.

Will the truths discovered in this story of one man's quest for meaning result in the birth of his new life...or in his ultimate destruction?

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm 38 years old, married with three children ages 2, 4, and 9, and live in Southwestern Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. My interests, besides writing, include reading (I'm always reading something), graphic design, and landscape photography.

What is your book about?

Essentially it’s a story about overcoming adversity, and finding the true value of things beyond what society defines as "good" and "right".

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing about a year and half ago. I started for two reasons:

My first love was landscape photography, but having a family made it very difficult for me to pursue it as a profession. I only got so far before realizing that the time I would need to succeed simply wasn't available to me. I decided to try my hand at writing. It's something I can do every night after the kids have gone to bed. The catalyst was winning a short story contest in and Honors English class in high school, voted on by the other students. Also, a newspaper reporter asked me, after looking at my photography website (which currently isn't up) and the captions I had written below the photographs, if I did any creative writing. He thought the paragraphs were quite good. It was enough for me to begin my first novel.

Second, like the character in my book, I've dealt with some issues of physical imperfection for most of my life, and I wanted to focus on a character that has similar struggles. I do not have port-wine birthmarks, and this is not an autobiography. I wanted to tell a good story first and foremost, but I would hope that at least some readers come away with a sense of empathy for those that are handed, for whatever reason, something difficult to deal with on top of the daily struggles we all face. The world can be cruel, but often we are the cruellest to ourselves.

What genre do you prefer to write in?

I can't say I know for sure yet. This one is mostly a suspense novel, but with other elements thrown in that makes it atypical, I believe. I'm working on another that would be best described as a thriller/horror novel that also explores issues of faith. I have a good bit completed on a third book, which is a fantasy work, but I needed a break from it to work out some kinks but that I plan to get back to.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?

Simply finishing, editing, editing again, and once again my first novel.

What inspired you to write this book?

The challenges some people face with physical imperfections, especially in a society that often excludes them, whether intentionally or inadvertently.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

There are so many authors I enjoy, but I'd have to put James Lee Burke at the top. He creates amazingly complex characters, and writes with depth and poignancy. Some of his villains are the best I've ever seen in a book.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

At this writing, I'm actually in between books but just finished "11/22/63" by Stephen King. I used to be a fan, but got away from reading him after some disappointments. I was intrigued by the premise of time travel with the intent to stop the Kennedy assassination. It really wasn't horror, and I think his best works, "The Green Mile" and "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" for example, are actually not horror.

It was a little too long, but overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

What are your current projects?

Two other novels currently being worked on. I have no idea when they'll be out but I hope the first of the two at least within six months.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

I have a Mac upstairs (not hooked up to the internet as I don't need the distraction) in a small office, and I usually don't start until at least ten at night and work until I can't keep my eyes open anymore.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

Dealing with the lack of sleep.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
I designed it myself. I have a degree in Graphic Design, so that was a no-brainer for me. Of course the cover is important. We do judge a book on face value (and people often too, hearkening back to the theme of my book), so I wanted a cover that was both a solid design and intriguing enough to create interest.

I read the Kent Chronicles by John Jakes, and loved them. The first book was borrowed from someone and a recent edition, so it had a modern, action-oriented cover. I got subsequent books from the library, which were dated in the seventies, and the subject matter on the covers heavily focused on romance. I know that if I had just been browsing for something, I would have immediately put them back on the shelf and would have missed some great stories...so I'm just as guilty as anyone. But it does bring home to me the need for a great cover, which I hope mine is.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

I did not try to go the traditional route. I like the possibilities offered through self-publishing, as I believe it's the future of publishing, period.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

It's too early to tell for me as this is my first book. The formatting was a challenge, and I'm looking now at ways to market my book and attract some attention. This does not come easily or naturally for me, but I'm willing to learn some new skills and hopefully make something happen.

Where can we buy the book?

Currently it's for sale only on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VP5X82

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

I'm currently creating a website which I hope is up soon:

www.gregorywalker.weebly.com

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Being a relatively new writer, I feel somewhat presumptuous offering advice. But I can say this; Write. Period. There were many times during the first novel that I wanted to quit, thought I'd never finish it, was sure it sucked, positive that I was wasting my time. But I did it. And once you finish one, you know you can finish another one. Sometimes I only got a page done in one night. My best I ever did was six ( I know most authors do word count, but I've always gone by page). But if you keep at it those pages pile up and eventually you have a finished first draft.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

Thank you, Rachael, for the opportunity to present myself and my book. Good luck to all trying to do something with the self-publishing, and never give up.

Thursday 21 June 2012

Bill Ovrights

Author of: Duplicity


Book blurb:
The crime of the century appears to have been committed in Gotham City. Sunday has gone missing, assumed kidnapped, the week before Christmas 2010. The Native American psychic agent, Detective NAPA, has just five days to save Christmas. He works his way through a maze of deception, receiving assistance from the most unlikely of sources, before discovering the truth and reaching the end(s).

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm a 49 year old child.

What is your book about?
Optimism, secrets and deception. Nothing is as it appears to be.

When and why did you begin writing?
I always wanted to write a book and was never sure whether I would or could. I made a couple of abortive formulaic attempts 3-4 years ago.

Three months ago I had an idea and the book wrote itself - but I needed about 20 rewrites before getting it to what I believe is the final version.
Having written it, I now know it takes commitment, dedication and perseverance to write it. Then commitment, dedication and perseverance to critically edit, revise and proof read. Then commitment, dedication and perseverance to market it.

What genre do you prefer to write in?
Surreal, satirical and stupid - the world I wish to live in, where anything is possible.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?
To have finished my first book. My biggest writing achievment by the end of this year will be to have finished my second book.

What inspired you to write this book?
Reading a book - Robert Rankin - Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?
Kurt Vonnegut for his irreverent humour and ability to bring humour to the most serious of issues.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
I've been absorbed in writing for twelve weeks - prior to that I read a couple of Robert Rankin Brentford trilogy books - thoroughly recommended.

What are your current projects?
I have ideas for two or three more Detective NAPA books - one more in Gotham City. I'll probably take him to Wonderland and/or Neverland and I have a plan to take him somewhere else in ten years (I know where but I can't tell you).

Where and when do you do most of your writing?
I'm lucky - I only work three days a week, so pretty much when the mood takes me, with Radio 6 on.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
The writing of it was easy - the 20 rewrites were the hardest.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
I have designed the initial one - it is important. I am waiting for a local illustrator to give me his design. The deal is he does it for free. If he wants to produce an illustrated 'tale for tots' we will split the profits 51/49. He can have sole rights to produce further illustrrations of Detective NAPA and if it gets picked up for any marketing deals, the split is 51/49.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
I submitted a brief outline to JK Rowling's literary agent. Aim high. This was the only agent I tried and decided to self publish once I'd received the rejection, justifiable based on my submission.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?
Easy. liberating.

Where can we buy the book?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chronological-Christmas-striplings-Detective-ebook/dp/B006L6VVJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326144820&sr=8-1 for children aged 19 to 99.

I intend releasing this version in paperback (for £6.99 or £5.99) as soon as the illustrator of the book cover, has provided a final version
Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

Not as such - detectivenapa on facebook and www.detectivenapa.co.uk - awaiting a crawl from the internet robots
Do you have any advice for other writers?

www.youwriteon.co.uk is an arts council website. It's great for feedback from other authors (in return for you giving feedback) and turned what were a bunch of good ideas I had, into a readable book. Submit. Take the feedback on board. Amend. Resubmit. And repeat a lot of times.
And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?

Don't believe all you read

Thursday 14 June 2012

Per Holbo

Author of: Princess Lila and The Knight in Shouting Armor



Book blurb:
Princess Lila has low self-esteem symbolized in The Knight in Shouting Armor, but when she meets the dragon, together they find the way to defeat her bad feelings of who she is. 

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
38 yrs old, married, 2 boys at 6 & 12 yrs and 2 girls at 8 & 10 yrs. I was brought up in Horsens, Denmark in a shady neighborhood with gangs (Hells Angels Wannabees). I have a university degree in Political Science and History.

What is your book about?
Princess Lila lives in a tower in her father´s castle and she is about to be married to a prince. She really likes the prince and he likes her, but The Knight in Shouting Armour shouts at her and takes away her self-confidence. Then she meets the Dragon, who helps her defeat the Knight in Shouting Armour and eat away the bad feelings she has for herself.

When and why did you begin writing?
I´m not sure when… But when I was about 8 yrs old I began writing stories about ghosts and such, because I had had some strange experiences with what you might call the spiritual world.

What genre do you prefer to write in?
That´s a tough one. I would very much like to write SF, but until now I haven´t been able to finish anything in that genre. What I do best is definitely Children´s Books and what I call “wry and dry,” a special angle to writing about everyday life where humor plays the role of a midwife releasing our anxieties so that we open to looking inside ourselves.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?
During an exam I finished an entire essay in one of the assignments we could choose from, but decided it wasn´t good enough, tossed it and started over with another assignment. I finished that assignment and left the exam 30 minutes before deadline and received an A.

What inspired you to write this book?
As a parent I see it as my most important job to raise my children as individuals with a strong character. To succeed you need to ensure that your children know, deep in their hearts, that they are valuable and loved for who they are. But in modern day society this is quite the challenge. Everything we do signals value for what you can do. I hope this book will give kids that wisdom in their hearts: you are valuable just because you are who you are!

While we are at it: The people who inspired the most writing this book are two of my children, Clara and Milter, to whom I also dedicate the book along with my wonderful wife, Kirstine, who has been amazing backing me up as I strive towards the big breakthrough! I owe them all!
Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?

I have many favorites. First and foremost, when it comes to kidlit, my absolute favorite is Hans Christian Andersen. He writes in many layers, so there is something for everyone, but still in such a way that the layers for the grownups doesn’t disturb the reading experience for the children. In the thriller/horror genre I like Stephen King because of his ability to bring something new with every book. My favorite SF-writer would be Isaac Asimov who wrote the “Foundation” series. His force is taking something we all know a bit of, math, and bring it to use in a most unusual, but still credible way (if you like that sort of thing)
What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?

“Orbit” by Ib Michael and a definite NO. He´s gotten lazy. It seems as if he just wrote whatever came into his head and a few months later sent it to the publisher and BANG! A book was sold. His basic idea with the story is no less than brilliant, but he doesn’t take the time and effort to bring the story to you. I struggled my way 2/3 into the book, but then I just gave up. It wasn’t worth the effort.
What are your current projects?

I always have many projects and some of them result in publishing and some don´t. Currently the most likely to be published are:“Hickory Street Changing” – a collective novel about a small town community where the residents try to keep up appearance, but they all have their secrets which are revealed one by one. “Sebastian on Sock Island” – a children´s book about Sebastian being sucked through a portal to the place where socks relax when we think they have disappeared. “A Puzzle Life” – a non-fiction about living with ADHD.

Where and when do you do most of your writing?

Everywhere and everywhen. Literally. When I cook, I sometimes have my computer standing open so that I can type when it´s possible. I even take my laptop with me to the little house if I know I´m going to be there for a while. Don’t tell anyone I said that, though. Let´s keep that a secret between you, me and whoever else reads this blog…
What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?

This particular book almost wrote itself, so there were no hard parts.
Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?

The cover is always important. It´s your visitation card, the first thing people see. If your cover looks pro, people are more likely to buy your book. This cover was originally designed by Kathrine Wanninger, who is also the illustrator of the interior, but for the English version I´ve put her illustration into the template I use for most of my publications. There will be a new cover designed by Wanninger in a few weeks and I´m looking forward to it.
Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?

After waiting 3½ months to get a useful response from the publisher I decided it wasn’t worth waiting. The main problem is that conventional publishers today do not service new authors as they did just 20 years ago. And they better get going if they want to keep in business, ´cause indie will be the main way of publishing within the next 5 years if they don´t get into gear.
On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?

If I could get someone else to do the marketing bit I would be absolutely thrilled, because it steals away my time to write and to be in contact with my readers. Other than that, self-publishing has been a good experience and what has really made me happy is the way people in the indie-world are helpful giving advice and generally helping out.
Where can we buy the book?

Smashwords and Amazon
Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?

Several. For my English audience, these are the ones to go for:
http://www.amazon.com/author/perholbo

http://www.talesofholboshire.blogspot.com
http://www.hickorystreet.saxoselvudgiver.com (to observe and comment a work in progress)

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just one: First you write what you think about – then you think about what you write.

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
Oh, have I! Thank you all for getting all the way down to this sentence. I am both surprised and honored that you would fight your way through all that nonsense and smugging…

Thursday 7 June 2012

D M Andrews

Author of: The Serpent in the Glass (Book #1 of The Tale of Thomas Farrell)


Book blurb: 
On his eleventh birthday Thomas Farrell is informed that the deceased father he never knew has provided for his education at Darkledun Manor, a school for gifted children. Thomas, however, feels he's just an ordinary boy, but Darkledun Manor proves to be anything but an ordinary school…

As an introduction, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm forty-something (never thought I'd be saying that!), from England and have a love of writing fiction. I'm also interested in reading, mythology, history, genealogy and political philosophy. I try to make a living with Internet marketing and selling articles, but I really just want to write stories...I've been tinkering around with fiction writing since my childhood.

What is your book about?
Lots of weird stuff from some recess of my imagination. It's essentially about a shy eleven-year-old boy, Thomas Farrell, and his journey to understand who his mysterious father was, as well as overcome his fears. In the course of the novel Thomas learns more about the strange Glass his father left to him, a Glass that allows him to travel through the stones to the world of Avallach...

When and why did you begin writing?
When I was very young, I liked to imagine worlds and draw maps of fantasy worlds. I think it all started from there. It thrills me to invite someone into my imagination.

What genre do you prefer to write in?
Mainly I prefer epic fantasy, but it's very hard to write without being very cliched - hence my efforts on the Serpent in the Glass (a middle-grade novel). I like to write stories that have wide appeal. Something a ten-year-old and sixty-year-old would both enjoy. I like some kind of fantasy element, something that takes it out of the ordinary world, even if it set in the modern world.

What is your biggest writing achievement to date?
Finishing "The Serpent in the Glass"! I've written quite a bit over the years, but getting a manuscript finished has taken some time! I've written, edited, and largely proofed it all myself (though I've had an editor, RJ Locksley, help me with cutting down my first chapter for the second edition), not to mention all the pre-publishing preparation.

What inspired you to write this book?
Back in 1997. I seem to remember I'd read something in the Anglo-saxon Chronicle about the Wild Hunt; then I became fascinated by the stones around Avebury and the legend of Silbury Hill. Those don't appear in the novel by name, but they were behind the initial inspiration for it.

Who is your favourite author, and what is it about their work that strikes a chord with you?
J.R.R. Tolkien. There is a lot of depth to his writing - the language, the world, the ties to our own world. I like the epic and mythic nature of his work, and I feel I would have agreed with Tolkien on a lot of things, had I ever met him. I also like Rowling for her warm, charming imagination and humour. It is this latter "feel" that influenced my novel.

What book are you reading now, and would you recommend it?
I'm not reading any fiction right now, as I'm catching up on non-fiction ;) However, I recently finished "Azincourt" by Bernard Cornwell. It was OK, I find a bit frustrated with historical fiction because it never seems to be written the way I'd like it. It's something I mean to address one day ;)

What are your current projects?
Currently I am working on a young-adult novel and on another book that straddles between YA and middle-grade. This latter is written in the first person - something I usually do not read, and never write. I wanted to try it out ;)

Where and when do you do most of your writing?
In front of the PC. I don't have a laptop and my handwriting is atrocious. I prefer to write at night, but there's less distractions during the day. I try to be quite intense, as I find I work best that way.

What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
Getting the plot right! After that, probably the constant revision.

Who designed your book cover – and was the cover something you deemed important?
Alex Hausch designed my cover. I'm very happy with it. I think a cover does sell a book - or, at least, grab the eye of a potential buyer.

Did you try to go down the route of traditional publishing first – or did you feel that self-publishing was right for you from the beginning?
I got a few rejection slips, left it in a draw for a few years, started another project, and then decided to at least put the old manuscript to work by self-publishing it. I would like to be published via the traditional route, but I know published authors don't necessarily do any better than self-published ones.

On the whole, how have you found self-publishing?
Confusing at first, but well worth it when you have the product in your hand. And it's a nice feeling when your friend's child comes up to you and tells you the book's really good. Or when you look on Amazon and see all the reviews are (as of this interview!) all five stars ;)

Where can we buy the book?
You can get it on Amazon Kindle, or the paperback via lulu.com. As of the date of this interview, Amazon is still listing the old first edition paperback. I'd recommend buying the second edition (and it's cheaper on lulu.com!)

Do you have a website or blog where we can keep tabs on you?
www.writers-and-publishers.com - there's also a facebook page for "The Serpent in the Glass".

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes, stop planning, reading books on grammar, on punctuation, or studying how-to-write books, and actually write!

And, finally, do you have anything else that you’d like to say to everyone?
Yes, thank you for the interview. :)