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.

To find out more about Patricia Antone, follow the social media links below:

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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.”

 

To find out more about Randee Green, check out her social media links below:

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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.

Find out more about Marco Marek by following the links below:

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