Author Interview - Linda Marie Pankow

 

Linda Marie Pankow is a busy mother of 4 children. She was born and raised in Wisconsin, where she still resides with her 4 kids, her husband, and their four dogs. Linda Marie Pankow writes her stories using the cover model for inspiration (with their permission, of course!). She has not been writing for long, but she can no longer imagine her life without having a book on the go. Her latest book, NewYear’s Dream is out on the 1^st of January, 2022.

Genre: Erotic Romance

Q&A

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

My book coming out on January first is called NewYear’s Dream. It was inspired by my friend who is a single mom, trying to make it on her own with four kids. I’ve always dreamed of her finding true love and not suffering as much as she does on her own.

Q2: When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

Honestly, I’m not sure, I just let the scenes play in my head and write what I see. I usually wind up crying when I write sad scenes though.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

I’ve loved reading since I was 4 years old and I have dreamed of being a writer since then. But I never had the lady balls to do it until I was over 30... I was inspired by writers like Dr. Suess and Stephen King. Then I was inspired by all the authors before me on the Chapters app.

Q4: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

I first realized I wanted to be a writer when I was 4. I still have the evidence for this from when I read and filled in Dr Suess’s My Book About Me. I’ve always loved writing, well, typing at least. My handwriting stinks!

Q5: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

Just dive in, let the words flow from you, don’t force them, the best writing comes when you are inspired, not when you are forced.

Q6: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I was surprised to learn that I can create whole worlds, with new people, people who only exist in the confines of my mind. I learned that my worlds can be fun, and inspire people to better their own lives, or value themselves more.

Q7: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

I mean the earliest was as a 4-year-old, reading Dr. Suess’s Sleep Book, just seeing the word ‘yawn’ a bazillion times makes one want to yawn. Don’t you feel like yawning already?

Q8: What was the first book that made you cry?

That’s a tough one to answer, a lot of books have made me cry. It’s not that I’m overly emotional or anything, but I am an empath and can feel the emotions left in the words of the book. I feel each emotion as the characters in the books do.

Q9: What are you working on now?

The next book I’ll be working on is called Training My Puppies, and it’s all about a dominatrix woman who has found not just one but two men to call her own, and they love to submit to her.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

Currently I’m reading a few books, each of them for different reasons. One is an arc/beta read called Time Wader, another is a precursor (Going Down) to an arc I’m going to read, called No Limits, and the third one is a book I saw and wanted right away, The Psycho.

Linda Marie Pankow's newest book, New Year's Eve, is available on Amazon on 01.01.2022

She pulls into the parking lot knowing full well what she was getting for me. “We are having a spa weekend, then by the time the party rolls around, you will be relaxed and ready to meet my friends from camp last year.”

I can’t stop my laugh as we get out of the car. “Your friends from camp, what are we teenagers?”

She gives me a look that drips sin as she smirks. “Yeah, cause that’s the kinda camp I went to last summer, Elizabeth. It was just a bunch of teenagers....” Her eyebrow raises. “I mean we acted like kids who just hit puberty, but I assure you that everyone was well over eighteen at the camp I went to.”

To find out more about Linda Marie Pankow, check out the links to her socials below:

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Author Interview - Emé Savage

 

Emé Savage is the author of The Genesis Chronicles, an adult epic fantasy series. She lives in Dearborn, MI with her author husband, A.M. Holmes, and their three feline overlords, Rosie, Tilly, and Mylo. She has been writing since she was seven, finding great joy in building new worlds, creating maps, and going on adventures. She is also a storm chaser, quilter, financial whiz, sewist, and entrepreneur. Yes, she has been struck by lightning. No, it wasn’t while storm chasing, and sadly no super powers were acquired.

Genre: Adult epic fantasy

Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is called Mirror of Ettek, and it was inspired by my experiences as a disabled person. I knew I wanted to write something where the main characters were disabled and how they are the heroes of this particular story.

Q2: What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft? 

The biggest change was switching out a side character for a different one. The original character wasn’t working, and the new one adds some additional layers in a very satisfying way.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence is Madeleine L’Engle. She wrote the Time Quintet novel series, which is a blend of fantasy, SciFi, and Biblical retellings. I’m drawn to multi-layered stories that make you think. So, I decided that is what I would write too.

Q4: What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I use NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNo to draft my books. I didn’t do that with my first two novels, but I did with Mirror of Ettek in 2019. I went from drafting a book over several years to drafting this one in eight months. I did it again in 2020 with Beneath the Copper Sky, which is my debut SciFi novel, and I’m doing it again for 2021 with the final instalment of the fantasy series called Gateway of the Makar.

Daily I’m either drafting, editing, or marketing my work. I do schedule breaks between stages. When I became more disciplined with my work, I definitely became more productive and better at what I do.

Q5: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Develop a consistent habit. If you can only write once a week, then write once a week. If you can do once a month, then do once a month. Five minutes a day? Do that. Developing a consistent writing habit is how things will get done.

Q6: What is the best writing advice you have ever heard?

Don’t edit while you are drafting. That made a big difference in my work. For my first two novels I edited while drafting and it took fifteen years to draft the first one, and ten years to draft the second one. For Mirror of Ettek, which I wrote without editing, it only took 8 months.

Q7: How do you celebrate when you finish your book? 

First, I let everyone know what I did. Then I have cake. Then I rest, watch Star Trek, play video games, and sew something.

Q8: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Practice. Get feedback. Practice more. Read a lot. Practice some more. I’m still learning how to be a better writer. No one creates in a vacuum. 

Q9: What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m drafting the fourth and final instalment of my fantasy series called Gateway of the Makar. All the promises I’ve made in the first three novels will come to fruition. No pressure. 

Q10: What are you currently reading?

Wolf in Winter by Barbara Lennox.

Keep reading for an excerpt from Mirror of Ettek, available 27th December 2021

His hands shook as he carefully wrapped the Mirror in a piece of leather and placed it in his vest next to his heart. Stiffly, he pushed himself up with a very loud grunt. The pain of his joints snapping and crackling distracted him from the persistent ringing that came whenever such memories intruded on his present. He closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for his head to stop swimming as he concentrated on the roughness of the bark beneath his fingertips. Finally, the geo righted itself.

He sighed. The Mirror always exacted a price. Always.

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Author Interview - Céline Perron

 

Céline Perron was born in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and now lives in a small community outside of Ottawa, Ontario. In 2018 she graduated post-secondary with a Master of Arts Degree in Criminology. In addition to writing, she works full-time as a Fraud Investigator.

When not writing or working, Céline enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Crime shows, and working through her ever-growing TBR pile. Céline is currently working on her next book, The Shallow Graves due for release on the 13th of December 2021. 

Genre: Crime Thriller / Mysteries

Q&A:

 

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

My latest book is entitled The Caged Curse and it is the first in a series of four paranormal mystery books. The book itself was inspired by my love of paranormal books similar to Meg Cabot and Kelly Armstrong. Being able to bring similar stories to life has been a goal of mine for many years now, but it was only until recently I was inspired to write about Nora Palmer and her story. I distinctly remember plotting out how the book would go and suddenly I wondered, What if she could see ghosts? Just like that, The Caged Curse series was born. (Book two is set for release December 13^th 2021).

 

Q2: What advice would you give to help others create plotlines?

I am partial to plotting out my books in a three-act format, but that wasn’t always the case. I distinctly remember hearing other authors recommend this same method and all I could think was how much it reminded me of High School English and that I was not at all interested in applying this to my own books. However, on one particular day when I was struggling with the outline for The Caged Curse, I decided to give it a shot and before I knew it, everything was mapped out. The Hook all the way to the Climactic Moment that would leave readers guessing, it was all laid out in a nice and organized way. So ever since, I have applied this method to my writing. I find that it’s also helped as a nice visual so that I can clearly see when there are areas in my book that need more work before I dive into the drafting stage.

 

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

When I think of the books that inspired me to write I have to give notice to the Canadian authors whose work did just that. Authors like Don Aker and his book The First Stone is the book that inspired my debut novel The Next Right Thing. Other authors, like the late Norah McClintock’s brilliant mystery books have inspired me for years and her books remain on my shelves to this day.

 

Q4: What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?

My schedule can differ quite a bit in comparison to my fellow author friends, mostly because unlike some of them, I also have a full-time job that takes up most of my time Monday-Fridays. On the days when I am drafting a book, I take up any spare time I can find, whether it be while on break from work, after work, and then late into the. My family, friends, and co-workers would always find it astounding that I could just go from working on one computer to another without issue. But I would just tell them that when you spend time working on something you’re passionate about, it’s really easy to do. Writing a book can take a couple of months, but this also depends on work schedules, family time, and the occasional writer’s block which could set me off course for a time. Nevertheless, I’ve found that this system – if you want to call it that – really works for me and I love that I can just disappear into another story at a moment’s notice and the process begins all over again.

 

Q5: Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?

Definitely both! I could go from having the longest day at work and then be able to just walk over to my writing desk and pick on my current WIP with no issue. On the days when I’m struggling to write a scene or a plot hole is giving me a hard time, it can at times feel exhausting and as if I’ll never figure it out. But such is the ways of an author, it’s the ups and downs of the work that keeps it interesting.

 

Q6: What is the best writing advice you have ever heard?

The best writing advice I’ve ever heard came from Dan Brown – “Write as if no one is watching, because no one is watching.” This quote alone was so impactful for me, especially in the beginning. I used to, and sometimes still do, get nervous about what people will think about a certain scene I’m writing or even the book as a whole. I felt those concerns when I wrote The Next Right Thing and then again when I wrote The Caged Curse. The truth is, you never know what anyone is going to think about your writing until you actually sit down, write the book, and put it out into the world for people to read. It was because of this quote from Dan Brown that I learned to get out of my own way and just do what I love: write! The rest will come with time.

 

Q7: How do you come up with character names for your stories?

Character names are as unique as the personalities of my characters themselves. I prefer to think up my characters personalities, their likes and dislikes, whether or not they have a moral code, or have something in their life they’re passionate about, before I give them a name. This way, I can choose a name that is more fitting to who the character is as a person – fictional or otherwise. I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle the most when it comes to character names, and especially title ideas. So much falls on just one name or the title of a book, that I’ve had times where I changed the title or character name several times throughout the plotting process. But once I have the right name/title, I’m able to dive right into the story and begin drafting.

 

Q8: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Practice, Read, and Practice! I remember in the early stages of my career as an author, someone had mentioned that authors should set aside time to read just as much as they set aside time to write. Back then I thought, well I love to read so that’s not hard at all. As it would turn out, writing can take up a pretty big chunk of your free time, especially when you already have a full-time job. I used to read several books a month, I was now going months without picking up a book. It was only when I heard this comment that I began to rethink my strategy. Reading has always given me that time to just relax and let my imagination wander. Wouldn’t you know, the best cure for writer’s block is to read more books? That or literally doing anything but writing and just going outside for a walk and getting some fresh air, listening to music, watching some TV. Any of these options have significantly helped me when I’ve been stuck. But above all, you improve your writing by working at it. No one becomes the best overnight.

 

Q9: What are you working on now?

I am currently working on plotting out and drafting book three in The Caged Curse series – title to be released soon – as well as another WIP which is a standalone Crime Thriller I am absolutely excited about sharing with the world.

I am also hard at work at translating my book The Next Right Thing in French – coming soon!

Finally, I am working with the official narrator for The Caged Curse audiobook, which will soon be released as well.

 

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading the latest release from my dear friend and writing colleague Tiffany Andrea, We’re All A Little Tired.

The Shallow Graves, available on 13-12-21

THE DARK WANTS NORA...
​BUT IS SHE STRONG ENOUGH TO RESIST?

Life for Nora Palmer has become an altogether different place since coming into her newfound abilities of seeing and speaking with the dead. Navigating the world of the supernatural through her mentor Lenora, and working to maintain a respectful reputation as a junior in High School, Nora is adamant that she has things well handled.

That is, until one night when Nora is drawn into the depths of the forest behind her family home and comes across the still form a recently attacked town local.

Now a suspect in a gruesome murder, Nora struggles to balance her life and to convince others that she hasn’t gone off the deep end. But such things are easier said than done, and the dark is sensing blood in the water. Coupled with a mysterious new arrival in town, Nora battles far more than wayward spirits and sees the life she’s carefully made for herself begin to fall apart at the seems.
Will she succeed in coming out on the other side? Or will the dark finally win?

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Author Interview - D. L. Heather

 

D.L. Heather is an author, poet, certified herbalist & former music journalist. With a background in existential poetry and dark tone literature, she writes about her own experiences in love, loss, living with chronic pain, heartbreak, healing and self-discovery.

Genre: Poetry/non-fiction

Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

The name of my latest book is Life Interrupted, based around my personal experiences living with endometriosis and chronic pain.

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

Brainstorm, write, revise, revise, decide

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

Authors who have influenced me have been Maya Angelou, Edith Wharton, Sylvia Plath and Angie Dickinson.

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Coffee, quiet and note pads.

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

Purpose and structure.

Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

The ability to say NO is the power to create, pursue, and protect priorities.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

Poetry, non-fiction.

Q8: What comes first for you - the plot or the characters and why?

Characters because I tend to work around the specific characters, their physical world then the rest eventually comes together.

Q9: What are you working on now? 

I'm working on a nonfiction book, Petals of Healing. It offers inspirational words, personal reflections, poems, affirmations, a grief journal and self-love practices to help cultivate new life after loss.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

Stephen King's On Writing.

To find out more about D. L. Heather, follow the social media links below:

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Keep reading for an excerpt from D. L. Heather's December 21, 2021 release, Metamorphasis

An extended edition of the best selling poetry book, Metamorphosis. This edition has over 100 new poems, along with the 50 poems previously published, and over 30 images.

In Metamorphosis, D.L. Heather takes her readers on a journey full of raw emotion that will pull at the heartstrings of her readers. A collection of haiku poetry inspired by the author’s personal experiences with love, grief and healing, a perfect read for fans of Pierre Alex Jeanty and Jack Kerouac. 

Author Interview - Mitchell Tierney

 

Born in Darwin, Northern Territory, Mitchell Tierney started writing 21 years ago. He is about to release his 7th book titled The Immolation Game, a new trilogy of novellas. He has contributed to combined fantasy works such as Everdark Realms, and an American horror anthology called The Unknown to raise money for front line workers. He has a regular table at the pop culture convention, Supanova.

Genre: YA, YA horror, Adult horror and Weird Fiction

 Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

The Immolation Game. The inspiration came from a very unlikely place  - lying on my bed. I heard what sounded like a clank coming from the ceiling and imagined a ball being released. I had to follow it until it was spat out of a spout. That got me thinking, what if you woke up with no idea of who you were and suddenly, you’re thrust into the midst of mind games that involve catching small silver balls that give you food and things you need. It led me down a path of exploring the world and what it meant to be trapped.

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

Minimal – I plan as minimally as I can. It takes the fun out of spontaneity if you know what’s going to happen beforehand.

Keep – Keep everything you write. If you think it’s not great, you may read it in a few days’ time and think otherwise.

Originality – Some tropes have been done to death. I like unique takes of classic stories / characters / situations.

Incubation – Sit on an idea or character for a while, let it appear and find its own voice.

Finish – Finish your book. No matter if there are parts you don’t like, just finish it. You can go back later in second draft and fix it.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk, Alan Moore, Joseph Delany

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused? 

Quietness. I could never go to a coffee shop to write. I need to be left alone, no talking or TV or music on.

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

Practice. Most people’s first books aren’t going to be the best. Keep writing. Finish a book. Start a new one. Let other people read your work and give you feedback without being offended. If you join an online group with people you don’t know, they won’t pull their punches.

Original ideas or original takes on old ideas, such as vampires and werewolves. They’ve been done to death, but you can reimagine them, make them unique and new.

For me, also good dialogue. Write how you talk, not how you think people talk to one another.

 Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

In regards to writing, ‘Why are you doing this?’ and ‘What do you expect to get out of it?’

‘Do you expect to be rich?’

People don’t understand that, for me, I’m compelled to write. I’ve been doing it for so long I can’t stop. I don’t expect fame or money, I just want to write and get my books out there. If people want to put you down, then that drives me even harder to succeed.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

I like non-fiction like Hunter S Thompson and Charles Bukowski. I like their crazy writing adventures. Weird fiction like Ian Banks and H P Lovecraft.

I like horror and YA fantasy also.

 Q8: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

Plot comes first. I can’t start writing just with characters, I need to head them in a direction. For me, it comes together like a puzzle. I’m given pieces of the puzzle, story, characters, setting, events, and when I can see what the picture is, I start writing.

Also, books will gnaw at me to be written.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I just finished the 2^nd book after Immolation Game and will start book 3 shortly.

I’m writing another YA horror book called Charlie Gravedigger.

I’ve been writing my first sci fi book called Eon Empyrean for about a year now and it’s about a third of the way done.

I’m feeling the pressure to write the 2^nd Wandmakers Apprentice book, which already has a few chapters down.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I’m in the middle of the Expanse first book Leviathan Wakes. I’m also in the middle of Charles Bukowski’s book Women. Next in line is The Witcher first book and Spooks: A new darkness.

Keep reading for an excerpt from The Immolation Game, released November 5th.

Clank!

The sound of clanging metal echoed around the room. A girl was laying there on a cold, metal bench. She opened her eyes at the noise and was hit with confusion as she wondered where she was and how she got there. The entire ceiling was gleaming with smooth metal panels. She sat up and could hear something rolling around above her. She listened as it moved away, then came back towards her. Whatever it was suddenly dropped, still on the inside of the wall. She swung her feet onto the ground and its chill ran up her legs. Looking down, she noticed the floor was completely made of metal, like the bench, which appeared to be a bed. There was a single blanket and pillow, with nothing else in the room except a pair of white shoes, with white laces. They looked immaculate and new. She slipped them on and gingerly stepped towards the doorway. Outside was a long corridor, and she was the middle door. The doors on her right and left were both closed. Suddenly the door to the right opened. A boy emerged, his eyes wary and slightly confused.
Who is that? she thought to herself. Do I know him?

To find out more about Mitchell Tierney check out the social media links below:

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Author Interview - Patricia Antone

 

Patricia Antone is a mom of two who got back into creative writing during the transition to empty nest. Her husband encouraged her to take a course at a local adult learning center and she was introduced to a local writing group by the instructor. The rest is history.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance

Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

FreeingDestiny. It is Book 4 of my Destiny’s Path Series set between 1601 Scotland and present day. The first book, Can’t Outrun Destiny was a labour of love, taking 5 years to complete. I wanted the series to become something I was proud of and kept at it until I was. I am very happy with where the story has led.

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

I only have 2. Plotter and Pantser. I start out plotting the story and direction of where it should go. Then I get to a point where it is totally by the seat of my pants, the muse taking over. Usually, it works. Note the usually part.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

I don’t have any to be honest. My book tastes are a little eccentric. I read so many different styles, authors, and subject matter, the list is a mile long.

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

 I love to have classical or soft jazz music playing. My habits are also those of a night owl. I tend to write my best stuff late at night.

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

If the story does not grab me by chapter 3, I am out. I try to write with that in mind.

 

Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

It can always be edited. My writers’ group can help me find my way through a tough spot. If it has potential, they will help me reach it.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

I love Romance.

Q8: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

Every book is different. I have had characters come very easily; I have had stories come easily. They, unfortunately, don’t usually happen at the same time.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I am working on 5 projects at once. I have a Falling SEALs, The Blind Missions series with more guys to fall. The Destiny’s Path Series has another novel outlining, with a novella as well. Then I have my odd couple of projects I play with when I am feeling stumped.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I am finishing a Clive Cussler novel, Pirate. A co-worker at my day job introduced me to him. I love the action and suspense of his stories.

Keep reading for an excerpt from Patricia Antone's latest release Freeing Destiny Book 4 in The Destiny’s Path Series

Finally narrowing down her 'heebie jeebie' feeling, Andrea MacKay brings home to Scotland the relic it emanates from. Next thing she knows her family casts a spell and she is staring at a real live Scottish warrior. The bonus? He is the enemy of her Uncle Gavin, who thought the man long dead, where he left him in 1601. Insert the "You got to be kidding" here.

Locked inside a cold dark prison for centuries, Roderick Roberts has no idea where he is when he is freed. All he recognizes is the feeling of warmth from the woman he's clung to until now.

Unfortunately, evil is circling back. She wants her relic and the man that was in it. She also has a centuries old bone to pick with Andrea's Aunt Anne. Knowing she is in danger, Roderick gives his protection to her and her clan in gratitude for his freedom. When he unknowingly loses his heart to the stubborn and opinionated little lass, he realizes the modern-day might not be so bad.

He just has to survive the evil after him and Andrea's Uncle, who is still debating on killing him, all while he protects Andrea the only way he knows how.

With a big sword.

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Author Interview - Randee Green

 

Randee Green is the author of the Carrie Shatner Mystery series and the Zoey Wilde Mystery series. Her passion for reading began in grade school with LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature, as well as an MA and an MFA in Creative Writing. When not writing, she's usually reading, indulging in her passion for Texas country music, traveling, or hanging out with her pets Daisy and Snookums G. Cat.

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

WRESTLING WITH DEATH is the first novel in the Zoey Wilde Mystery Series. Zoey is a semi-professional wrestler. When her ex-boyfriend is found murdered at a wrestling event, she jumps to the top of the detective’s suspect list. She sticks her nose into the investigation to clear her name.

I am a lifelong fan of pro wrestling, and, for years, I have wanted to write a book that involved pro wrestling. There is some pro wrestling involved in the second Carrie Shatner Mystery, CRIMINAL CHOKEHOLD, but I wanted to write at least one novel that focused on pro wrestling. I played around with a few different ideas over the years, but ultimately decided to write a cozy series starring a pro wrestler. I love reading cozy mystery series, but I find that there are few main characters who are edgy and in-in-your-face. I’ve been longing for a strong, kick-butt main character. When I failed to find one, I created one instead.

 

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

Hectic, frustrating, blissful, and overly plotted.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

I have read so many books by so many authors that it’s hard to really signal any one in particular out. I If I had to name one, it would be Laura Ingalls Wilder. I first read LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS when I was in second grade. It was while reading that book that I had an epiphany that I would someday be a writer.

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused? 

It’s more like what do I need OUT of my writing space to help me stay focused. I have a dog who can be a distraction—not that I mind that distraction. But I am also easily distracted by my phone or the internet. I’ll go to look up something like a word or a specific fact, and then wind up falling down the rabbit hole.

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

Strong main characters. The main characters do not have to be likable, but I have to feel invested in their story. If I don’t care about the main characters, then I quickly lose interest in the book. Forward motion is also very important. I’ve come across a lot of books that rehash/repeat earlier scenes opposed to creating new scenes/incidents. Having to read recaps of previous scenes over and over gets annoying.

Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

When I was in grad school for creative writing, the mentors kept telling us to “just write the damn thing.” It has been my motto ever since. It’s not a fancy or life-altering quote, but it does get straight to the point. If you don’t write it, it’s never going to get written.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

I love reading cozy mysteries—both contemporary and historical. There are quite a few series that I follow. I particularly enjoy strong female main characters and humor.

Q8: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

My characters always come first. I have to know my main character and some of the supporting cast before I can really start plotting.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I am working on Killer Kayfabe. It is the second novel in the Zoey Wilde Mystery series. In this novel, Zoey’s coworker at her brother’s tattoo shop is murdered. CJ Neidigh went to school with Zoey and Zack, and they were the closest thing that the introverted teenager had to friends. It is not long after CJ returns to town—and mere hours after some of their former classmates learn that he’s back—that he is murdered. Zoey knows not to get involved in another police investigation, but she is compelled to find her friend’s killer. 

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I am rereading the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen. It’s been years since I read the earlier books in the series, and I wanted to refresh my memory of what happened.

Keep reading for an excerpt from Wrestling with Death:

“None of us are going to be able to sit in the front row during the match.” Vivian yanked her feather boa from her neck. “If Devon comes anywhere near me, I’ll strangle him.”

“Your boa probably won’t be enough to get the job done,” Zack said. He tugged on Vivian’s boa and accidently pulled out a couple feathers.

“Then I’ll stab him in the eye with this!” Vivian held up the knitting needle that she was still clutching in her arthritic hand.

“Put the knitting needle down, Nana,” Zoey said.

“Hitting Devon over the head with this baby…” Zack said as he reached into the trash can full of weapons and pulled out a sledgehammer. It was the same sledgehammer that had been in the back of Zoey’s car. “This would get the job done in one or two blows.”

“Zack…” Zoey said, terrified of the evil gleam in her twin brother’s eyes. She also didn’t like the way he was running his fingers up and down the sledgehammer’s long handle.

“What? I can fantasize, can’t I?” Zack asked, giving Zoey a sheepish look. “I won’t lie to you. I want to kill Devon just as badly now as I did back then.”

 

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Author Interview - Marco Marek

 

Marco Marek is an award winning author from Italy. He always had a fervid imagination and a passion for fantasy stories, medieval magicians, ancient history, and unexplained mysteries. While he was visiting a castle in Eastern Europe, he had the idea of writing Hyperearth. Apart from writing, Marco is also a painter and photographer, he likes digital artwork on Photoshop. He loves travelling when he has some free time.

Genre: Fantasy/Urban fantasy

 

Q&A:

 

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Magic Streets: London Bound Book Two is my latest book. One time, while I was driving through the streets, I had the feeling the area where I was going was different than the one I thought to go. So I had the idea, is it possible while you walk to enter in another area of the city ?  From this I created this saga of Magic Streets which is about an invisible portal that should be in every city.

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

Ideas, inspiration, research, writers block, relaxing.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Paulo Coelho

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Silence otherwise I can't concentrate on writing.

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

I think the ability of writing is that the reader never get bored, must be intrigued to continue to read each page, chapter.

Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard? 

Read a lot, this will improve your writing technique.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

Well since I write fantasy I would say mainly fantasy, but I like to read also crime, a bit of horror like Stephen King.

Q8: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

Plot came first on my old books, but now I'm developing more characters. I thought the plot is the main theme of one book, but there are readers that want to know a lot about every character, personality, weak and strong points, education, and attitude.

Q9: What are you working on now?

I'm writing book three of the Magic Streets saga, it will be in Arizona this time.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

I have to finish The Crown of Stones of Cindy Schneider

Here is an excerpt from Magic Streets London Bound Book Two:

“Do you like this pub, Lenka?” Jack asked. She seemed almost in a trance.

“Yes, it’s beautiful. But what struck me is the strong esoteric source that is around here. It’s an incredible thing,” replied the witch, and Jack realized she was attracted to the energy, not the pub’s lavish style.

“Strange, I’ve been here many times and I never felt anything. But now that you mention it, I feel something too. What would you like to drink? I’ll have a pint of Theakston,” the photographer said. Lenka chose white wine. But while they waited for the drinks, something fantastic happened. Something was materializing next to Jack. Small clouds of smoke moved quickly, but it was still not clear what it was.

Then, little by little, they began to see a figure: first a hat, then the face became visible. Yes, it was a man in his sixties. Jack was surprised, but Lenka was not. It was likely that this was a commonplace occurrence for her.

“Good afternoon,” the newly materialized man said. “I think you’re not from London? Let me introduce myself. I am Morgan Ingham. Nice to meet you.” He looked like a classy person, even though his clothes were a little old-fashioned.

“Our pleasure. We are Lenka and Jack,” replied the witch, happy to make his acquaintance.

“What brings you here?” Morgan asked in an affable tone. “Miss, your name seems to me to come from Bohemia...”

“Yes, you’re right, sir. I am from Prague. Have you been? Jack is American, from Arizona, if I’m not mistaken.”

Jack could see that the witch liked Mr. Ingham so much, even though he was older than her.

“I visited Prague many years ago. Extraordinary. I met a famous seer whose name escapes me now. You know with age your mind isn’t as fresh as it used to be. Anyway, I don’t want to bore you.” The man began to dematerialize again. Sometimes he looked like a hologram.

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