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Author Danica Avet

Posted on March 10th, 2012

Author Danica Avet

Ester: Today I’m speaking with Danica Avet. Welcome, Danica. First, how long have you been writing?

Danica: I’ve been writing off and on since I was a teenager, but I didn’t decide to write seriously until about three years ago. Four full-length manuscripts later, I have three books signed and an agent. It’s been crazy.
Ester: I bet. How did you get started in your writing career?
Danica: I read voraciously. I remember when I was 15, I sat down with my little electric typewriter and started writing a story about a girl coming home to south Louisiana. I think I wrote about fifty pages before I stopped. The story was awful, but I never really gave up on the idea of writing. I spent the next few years trying to write different stories, but never got anywhere with them until recently.
Ester: What genre do you write in and why did you choose it?
Danica: Right now, I only write paranormal romance. I love the paranormal romance genre because the sky’s the limit on what you can write about. Besides, it’s so much fun to take old legends and myths and remake them in my own world.
Ester: That’s what I like about it too. What was your first published work, Danica, and how did you get published the first time?
Danica: Ruby: Uncut and on the Loosewas my first published book. It was released February 2011. I’d spent nearly two years trying to hook up with an agent or an editor. I had several nibbles, but no luck until I bit the bullet and submitted the story to Siren Publishing. They wanted it and here we are.

Succubus-in-Waiting by Danica Avet

Ester: I take it, Succubus-in-Waiting is your second book?
Danica: Yes, it’s the second book in my Veil Series. I’m so excited! I have a third book in the series which came out last spring, Lifestyles of the Fey and Dangerous.
Ester: So how did it go with the agent?
Danica: I actually signed with an agent a week after my Veil Series was signed with Siren. I’d sent Nalini Akolekar with Spencerhill Associates my fourth manuscript–book one of an entirely different series–at the end of November and got the call before Christmas.
Ester: What a nice surprise.
Danica: Yes. It was a very Merry Christmas for me.
Ester: Danica, who or what influences your writing?
Danica: I pull a lot of my story ideas out of thin air, but I have to credit my family for being such a big influence in my writing. They have such wonderful (embarrassing) stories and such powerful personalities that I have to fit them into my stories somehow.
Ester: What is the hardest part of writing a story for you, Danica?
Danica: The beginning always gets me. It has to be perfection before I can move on, otherwise, I’ll agonize over it throughout the entire book. My current WIP has been rewritten at least a dozen times because I can’t seem to get the beginning where I want it. I’m hoping my latest attempt will stick.
Ester: Do you have any writing rituals or quirks?
Danica: Titles are a biggie for me. Some times I can’t write unless I have a title. I will drive myself insane trying to think of the perfect title. The only exception to this rule was the book my agent has. I had no idea what to call it and ended up taking a poll on my blog for a title.
Ester: Well that seems like an interesting way to get feedback. So you currently work with Siren Publishing. How is that going?
Danica: Alison is wonderful. I’ve been very lucky with my edits for Siren.
Ester: Speaking of titles, did you get to keep the ones you chose?
Danica: I did get to keep the titles I chose for my Veil series books. My book in the new series wasn’t so lucky.
Ester: What happened?
Danica: My agent suggested a title change and I took it. We were both pleased with the new title.
Ester: Did you have a say in the cover art on your book?
Danica: I was given a questionnaire to fill out about what I would like to see for my cover art. I can honestly say that my cover artist has delivered and then some. She’s done an amazing job of portraying my heroine’s personalities.
Ester: Danica, what are some of your hobbies or interests other than writing?
Danica: I spend a lot of time with my family (for inspiration you know). I love to fish and when I get a chance, I head out with my brother-in-law as much as I can. Other than that, I love to read, listen to music, and watch Ghost Adventures.
Ester: What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Danica: Get a critique partner or three. You’d be amazed at the things they find in your manuscript! I have three critique partners and each of them brings something different to the table. Two of my critique partners are published authors as well. They’re a group of talented, sassy ladies whose comments make me crack up while I’m reading their critiques. They all help me polish my work to an amazing degree. Another thing I recommend is making a lot of friends in the writing community. There’s an amazing amount of information out there just waiting for you to find it. Friends help you discover that information and also keep you grounded. I found my critique partners on Romance Writer’s Community and I wouldn’t trade them for the world! Besides, I love reading what they have coming out next.
Ester: Do you have any amusing, inspiring, or horror stories about your publishing experience?
Danica: Not my publishing experience, per se, but I do have an agent horror story. Last year I got “the call” from an agent and she loved the second book in my Veil series. She wanted to represent me and I agreed. While we were waiting on the contracts to be drawn up, she sent my manuscript to several big publishing houses. After about a month, I received an email from her stating that she was no longer at the agency and she wished me luck. I was left in limbo because no other agent would touch the story since I’d been submitted to too many houses.
Ester: Wow! That is bad. On a happier note, how did you celebrate your first contract?
Danica: My entire immediate family raided Outback Steakhouse for a celebratory dinner. I had a blast. I had to explain to my 20-something year old nephews that yes, Siren was a serious publishing house, and yes, they were going to pay me for my books. They’re protective of me.
Ester: Do you write full-time or part-time, Danica?
Danica: I write part-time. I wish I was a full-time writer, although I fear I’d read more than I wrote. *Cringe.* In my day job, I’m an environmental assistant which means I deal with dry documentation. The upside of that is that I get to see good-looking men in hardhats on a regular basis.
Ester: Hmmm, that leaves a lot to the imagination, doesn’t it? Do you think a web presence is important for unpublished authors?
Danica: I actually think unpublished authors should start out with a blog and write on it at least 5 times a week. It gives people a chance to sample your writing style. Also, hooking up with other writers on Facebook and Twitter is helpful to learn more about the industry, craft, and any upcoming events.
Ester: I want to thank you Danica for spending time with me. I appreciate it. You can find Danica’s Succubus-in-Waiting at www.bookstrand.com/succubus-in-waiting. You can also find her at www.danicaavet.com. Danica resides in Louisiana with her dog and two cats and has total domination of her remote control.

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Author Dennis AuBuchon

Posted on January 16th, 2012

Ester: Today I’m speaking with Dennis AuBuchon. Hello Dennis. Tell me, what made you decide to become a writer?

Dennis: I always seemed to have an interest in writing but having an interest did not mean I had the time to do it. I now work part time and when I am not working, I am devoting some time to my writing.

Ester: How long have you been writing professionally?

Dennis: I have been writing for about eight years.

Ester: Did it take long to get published the first time?

Dennis: My first book took about six months to write and two months to get the
copyright permissions for some of the information I had included. Once completed,
it took about two months before I had a published book.

Ester: What would you do differently the next time?

Dennis: I would make more time to write.

Ester: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Dennis: Be persistent. Today there are many opportunities to get published
with the new technologies available. Also, I would be careful to check out the publishers to make sure they will deliver on the promises they make. One way is to ask other authors for recommendations and then check out what they have to offer personally and then choose the one you feel best fits your needs.

Ester: What (or who) inspires or influences your writing?

Dennis: What inspires me the most is the opportunity to make a difference by writing on interesting topics and other issues about which the public cares.

Ester: Do you have any works in progress you’d like to tell us about?

Dennis: I am always working on some writing project whether it is articles or books. I am working on writing more books primarily around the topic of ethics and integrity in society to be companions to the books I currently have published.

Ester: What are your latest releases? And where can we find them?

Dennis: I currently have two books. The first is titled Integrity: Do You Have It? 2nd edition, which is available through all major bookstores in the United States and foreign countries. My second book is titled What Makes A Good Audit and is currently available as an e-book through my website: www.myqualitywriting.com and www.booklocker.com.

Ester: Thank you for spending time with me today and talking about your books, Dennis.

Dennis: Thank you for having me. I enjoy writing and those who love to write take advantage of the countless opportunities available today. There are many free resources of information available today to help anyone succeed. Success in any writing depends on the marketing an author does. Publishers today only have so much money, time and resources to make a book a success. It is always the author that has the greatest impact.

I would also suggest participating in writing forums, joining social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The more exposure you create the better your chances for your name to be recognized.

Writing is an activity which gives you an opportunity to make a difference. The topics on which you write and the perspective you have are generally not unique. Other individuals usually see things as you do.

Putting your feelings in words helps to connect to those individuals who either may not have the time or talent to express their opinions. Writing is not only about presenting information but presenting perspectives on various issues in which the public is interested. The more you write on topics which has public interest the more you will succeed and be recognized for your expertise.

Ester: Thanks again, Dennis. Dennis lives in Ohio where he writes part-time. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family. You can find his books at www.myqualitywriting.com and his articles can be found at: www.hubpages.com and www.helium.com.

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ALAN SAKOWITZ INTERVIEW

Posted on March 7th, 2011

Ester: Hello everyone. Today I’m interviewing a non-fiction author, Alan Sakowitz. Welcome to AuthorBlogSpot, Alan. I’m glad you could be here. First of all, what prompted you to write your book, “MILES AWAY…WORLDS APART?”
Author, "Miles Away...Worlds Apart"

Alan: I stumbled upon South Florida’s largest crime ever and became a whistleblower to protect others from falling prey to what looked like the greatest opportunity in the world but wasn’t. But I could not ignore the fact that so many people closed their eyes because the benefits to them were too great to do otherwise or that so many decent people became complicit. To me, it seemed the facts of the massive Madoff-like Ponzi scheme needed to be presented in a simple way so they could be viewed without the trappings of unreasonable rewards. That way, each person could train himself in advance how he wants to respond before he reaches his next fork in the road. It was for that reason I wrote “Miles Away…Worlds Apart.” It is my hope that understanding how these schemes work will prevent readers from being scammed.

Ester: Once you began writing, how long did it take you to finish the book?

Alan: It took 9 1/2 months from the day I started writing until the day it was in bookstores. The book was released on September 1, 2010.

Ester: That’s amazing. Sometimes it takes much longer from the time the book is finished until it’s on the shelves. Do you have any other published books?

Alan: This is my first book. There is another book in my head fighting to get out and two others not far behind the second. We will see what happens. They are competing with a lot of other things I would like to accomplish in that same time period. Like “Miles Away…Worlds Apart,”the three other books I am considering writing have powerful messages.

Ester: I like your choice of title, by the way. In your book, you show how people could live only miles away from each other and have significant differences in how they perceive the world around them. In your community, you show how people actually care about each other and go out of their way to help one another, but in Scott Rothstein’s world, he put up a front so that people thought he was generous, when in reality, he took everything he could get his hands on, with little regard for others. Tell me, Alan, what was the hardest part about writing this story?

Alan: Making time was the hardest part of writing “Miles Away…Worlds Apart.” I needed to carve out time every evening and all day Sunday to make the book a reality.

Ester: What publishing houses/editors do you currently work with?

Alan: Getting “Miles Away…Worlds Apart” on Amazon.com and book shelves while the Scott Rothstein fiasco was still unfolding was a key factor in deciding to independently publish my book. Even though the book is more about the Rothstein philosophy than it is about Scott Rothstein, the person, it does give an up close and center stage view of what it was like to meet with Scott Rothstein, South Florida’s largest ever fraudster and at that a charismatic one. The book’s messages about the importance of community, family, integrity, leadership, personal responsibility and other people should keep the book relevant long after Scott Rothstein is just a bad memory.

Ester: So, I take it the title was your choice and not that of someone else?

Alan: All the final decisions were mine to make. The title seemed the most fitting since Scott Rothstein’s world of greed, the external, the allusion was geographically only 16 miles away, but philosophically it was worlds away from my community that measured value by deeds not dollars. There was a time I was considering the title, “A Fork In The Road,” since we all arrive at different forks in the road and this book is designed to help every reader make a better choice as he reaches each of his personal forks in the road. When a movie was being released at about the same time with the “Fork In The Road” title, I droppped its consideration so as to avoid confusion.

Ester: I like your final title much better. I guess you also had a say in the cover art on your book?

Alan: Yes, I hired four graphic designers and selected the cover I felt best described the message the book sought to convey. Each of my artists was very talented and easy to work with. They believed in the book and wanted the cover to enhance the message. No one that assisted me considered their role “work.” They each felt they were a part of something bigger than just a book. They believed in the message and enjoyed being a part of it.

Ester: I know you are an attorney and real estate developer by profession and writing time was difficult to carve out with your regular schedule, but what are some of your hobbies or interests or what do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Alan: Spending time with my family, bike riding and fishing.

Ester: Ahhh, I miss bike riding in Florida where it’s so flat. Living in the mountains makes bike riding a chore. Alan, what can you tell us about your publishing experience?

Alan: One exceptional lesson I experienced was when dealing with one of my graphic designers. I selected each of my designers on sites that provided graphic designers the ability to bid on jobs. I told each designer that I was going to hire 3 or 4 and pay them all but only use the work of one. The one I selected would receive other work as well. One designer, not the one I chose in the end, had only one request. His request was that I give him 5 stars. He was willing to do whatever it took to earn five stars. He said he would have the cover done over and over until I was happy with it and considered the result a 5 star job. If his designer was not to my liking he would replace the designer.
It dawned on me that we should all think like that. When we are doing a job, we should not be satisfied until our client/customer received 5 star work.

Ester: Thank you so much Alan for spending time with me. I appreciate your candor on a subject that not many people have the information to discuss. I highly recommend your book, “Miles Away…Worlds Apart,”not only for the information that led to the fall of Scott Rothstein, but also for the intrinsic moral lessons within its pages. It was an interesting, easy read. For more information on Alan’s book, go to: www.LegacySeriesPress.com or: www.EmpoweringLessons.com. You can also check out his book trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSzq12koYG0.

Alan lives in North Miami Beach, Florida and has been happily married for 25 years and has five children ages 16-24.

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Romancing The Script Contest

Posted on March 6th, 2011

****Permission to forward granted and encouraged****
SCRIPTSCENE RWA
presents

Romancing the Script Contest

Deadline: April 1, 2011

Final Judge: Andy Cohen
Producer / President of Grade A Entertainment

Prizes include listings on InkTip – see web site for details!
A read by Zac Sanford of Suntaur Entertainment
Scriptscene RWA Certificates
Announcement of the winner and runners up in the RWR
and on the Scriptscene website

More prizes may be coming, so please check back on website for listing.

For contest promo: www.scriptscene.org/promo/contest.html

Thank you,
Leslie Ann Sartor
Contest Chairperson

FMI: www.scriptscene.org

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Marsha Moore Interview

Posted on February 2nd, 2011

Ester: Today I’m speaking with Marsha A. Moore. Hi Marsha. Tell me, how long have you been writing?

Author, Marsha Moore

Marsha: I’ve been actively writing for decades, since early college, but didn’t begin writing fiction until about five years ago.

Ester: How did you get started in writing?

Marsha: Growing up, I enjoyed reading and for that reason, followed an English minor college program, actually just for fun, along with my Biology major. Taking lit courses and writing essays for fun–strange, but true! Years later, I worked as a rock music reviewer for several years and from some of those experiences, I tinkered with fiction. Initially, I wrote fiction based on the world of rock music. That’s very sexual, so the erotic elements came naturally. Through a lucky happenstance, a man who worked for a major book publishing house, read my first attempts at fiction and posted on a music forum. He repeatedly encouraged me to submit my creative writing. Over time, I came to believe him and did. After that, it’s been a waterfall of new and fun experiences.

Ester: I bet! What genre do you write in and why did you choose it?

Marsha: I love escaping into imaginary worlds of fantasy romance and I’m always world-building, even apart from my writing process. It’s who I am.

I’ve always enjoyed reading/researching fantasy writing through the ages in terms of folktales, myth, legend, and lore. My library of those is constantly growing. I often blend ideas of folklore from around the world into my works. I’ve used a foundation of Chinese lore in my recently completed manuscript, The Enchanted Bookstore: Seeking a Scribe, the first of a five-part series. The forces upholding good in that series are the four auspicious Chinese animals: phoenix, unicorn, tortoise, and dragon. These represent the four elements, fire, earth, water, air, respectively, which are believed to balance our world.

Ester: Wow, you got me interested already. I love reading that kind of thing.

Marsha: In my book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, just released today, I was intrigued by the legends of the pirate Jose Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. In the winter of 2008, I moved to Tampa, home of the yearly Gasparilla Festival. That inspired me to create a fantasy with a love triangle between a lovely mermaid, a handsome merman , and a smooth-talking pirate captain.

Ester: Now that sounds interesting.

Marsha: I’m just beginning to plot a new novel based upon spiritual legends of ancient India. This tie to lore and myth is a common thread in the fantasy universe of my books.

Ester: Marsha, what was your first published work and how did you get published the first time?

Marsha: My book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, just releasing today, February 1st, is my debut. I attended a chat held by the staff of MuseItUp Publishing and was so impressed with their friendly, professional manners, I submitted within the next week and was accepted. My first impressions held up–it’s a wonderful group to work with.

TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE BY MARSHA MOORE

Ester: This is an honor to interview you on your release date with your debut novel. How exciting! What do you find is the hardest part of writing a story?

Marsha: The most challenging is to give up time outdoors. Believe me, being new to Tampa from the Midwest, that really is a hardship! As often as possible, I pack up my writing notebook and head to a nearby beach. My most creative ideas come while there and the writing comes fast. Even if I can’t get away to the beach, I create new drafts outside in the backyard on our dock or patio. The brown pelicans have a lot of personality and make great writing companions!

Ester: I envy your beach time! What publishing house and editor are you currently working with?

Marsha: MuseItHot Publishing.

Ester: Did you get to keep the title you chose for your book or did your editor change it?

Marsha: I have three contracts with MuseItHot Publishing and I’ve been able to keep all three titles.

Ester: Great! Did you have a say in the cover art?

Marsha: Yes, lots of say both before the mock up is created and then after.

Ester: Marsha, what are some of your hobbies or interests other than writing?

Marsha: One of my more interesting hobbies is watercolor painting. I’m creating a couple illustrations of scenes from Tears on a Tranquil Lake. These will be converted into digital images and used on promotional items and contest giveaways. I’ll post that artwork on my website once I have them converted into digital copies.

Also, I love to exercise daily. I do yoga in classes or routines at home five days a week. The other days I’m out bicycling or kayaking. I recently purchased a used kayak–my favorite new toy! We live on a large saltwater lagoon and taking it out for an hour or more is a treat.

Ester: I bet it is and Florida is a great place for bicycling–all flat. I live in the mountains and bicycling is hard around here. Tell me, Marsha, do you belong to a critique group or do you have a critique partner?

Marsha: I like to have critique partners. For Tears on a Tranquil Lake, I worked online with a small group of authors from www.writing.com. Once I got settled after moving to Tampa, I found a fantastic opportunity with the Florida Writers Association. They have nearly 40 local critique groups throughout the state, well-coordinated with guidelines to maintain standards. I attend one of their groups in Brandon, Florida. I like a live group because it allows opportunity for brainstorming, expanding the potential for growth and fellowship. They are wonderful and keep me eager to write more.

Ester: How did you celebrate your first contract?

Marsha: My husband and I had a great time going out to dinner at a nice waterside restaurant on Tampa Bay.

Ester: Do you think a web presence is important for unpublished authors?

Marsha: Absolutely. If the individual intends to publish, developing the groundwork of social networking is essential beforehand. There is so much to do involving work with the publishing company while continuing to write new material, anything done ahead of time is valuable.

Ester: Marsha, I appreciate you taking time to answer these questions for me and I wish you luck with your debut novel, Tears on a Tranquil Lake.
Marsha and her husband live in Florida, where she writes full-time. She quit her high school teaching job before she attempted publishing. Marsha will be attending Dragoncon this fall. You can find her book through the following link:

Tears on a Tranquil Lake
Publisher: http://museithotpublishing.com/
ISBN: 978-1-926931-29-6
Purchase Link

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Caridad Pineiro Interview

Posted on January 19th, 2011

Ester: Hello Caridad. Thanks for taking time to speak with me today. First of all, what made you decide to become a writer?

Caridad: I was always an avid reader and spinning stories in my head as I went to sleep, but I never considered being a writer until the fifth grade. My teacher assigned a project – to write a book for the class lending library. I started writing and knew then that I wanted to someday be published.

Ester: So, how long have you been writing professionally?

Caridad: My first book was released in 1999 and my 25th publication, STRONGER THAN SIN, just hit shelves.

STRONGER THAN SIN by CARIDAD PINEIRO

Ester: Wow, 25 books in 12 years! You have been a very busy lady. Do you write full-time or part-time?

Caridad: I still have a full-time day job, but I consider that given the volume of what I write, that I also have a full-time job as a writer. I just have to do it in my spare time.

Ester: That’s still amazing, considering how many books you write in a year. Tell us about your latest release.

Caridad: My latest release is the second book in the paranormal suspense SINS series. STRONGER THAN SIN is the story of Dr. Liliana Carrera and ex-football player Jesse Bradford. Here’s a little teaser for it:

Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists. She won’t let them harm other innocent victims, like her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete had the best hands in the NFL…until an injury forced him to undergo Wardwell’s experimental gene therapy. Now Jesse’s gorgeous body is superhuman-but his strength comes at a price. With Wardwell threatening his family, Jesse can’t tell Liliana all he knows. Yet he can’t resist her compassion…or her healing, erotic touch. As their passion flares, Jesse’s body becomes dangerous and volatile. For evil men are plotting to change the face of humanity-and will destroy whoever stands in their way.

Ester: I like it already! Caridad, do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year?

Caridad: I do workshops and also attend conferences at various locations. I also do many guest blogs with other authors. Readers can find out more about them in the calendar on my blog and website. For 2011, I’ll be attending a number of conferences, namely the Liberty States Fiction Writers conference in New Jersey, RT BookClub convention in Los Angeles, Authors After Dark in Philadelphia, Deadly Ink in New Jersey and the Romance Writers of America conference in New York City.

Ester: I don’t know how you fit everything in with your schedule. Thank you.

Caridad: I want to thank you for having me at your blog and I also want to thank all the wonderful readers who come and visit with me in person and on the website. The best part of being published is getting to meet all of you!

Ester: Caridad lives in New Jersey, but works in New York City. In her spare time, she loves to travel and to cook. She also loves to take long strolls through new places to find out more about them. You can check out Caridad’s website at: www.caridad.com, or her facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author or via Twitter @CaridadPineiro.

SINS OF THE FLESH by CARIDAD PINEIRO

AZTEC GOLD by CARIDAD PINEIRO

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Author, Maeve Greyson

Posted on January 6th, 2011

Maeve Greyson

Ester: Today I’m speaking with Maeve Greyson. Hello Maeve. Tell me, how long have you been writing professionally?

Maeve: Even though I’ve got a book coming out, somehow I still don’t “feel” professional.

Ester: Well, what made you decide to become a writer, then?

Maeve: I wrote my stories for my mother when her health failed. They provided an escape from the terrors awaiting her in the hospital. Later, after she’d passed away, I discovered she wasn’t the only one needing an escape from reality. Sitting down and bringing my characters to life gave me much-needed stress relief.

Ester: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Maeve: Only part-time. I’ve got five more years left at the steel mill and then I can retire.

Ester: Retirement is certainly something to look forward to. Can you tell us about your latest release?

Maeve: “Beyond a Highland Whisper” releases in February 2011 by The Wild Rose Press.

Beyond a Highland Whisper

It’s about a beguiling Scot from the 1400′s, Latharn Mackay finds himself cursed into a crystal orb when a seductive witch rages against this withheld love. But there’s hope. The woman destined for him can break the curse by whispering her love aloud. Of course, Latharn has a few minor problems to overcome. Nessa is six hundred years in the future and Latharn can only visit her dreams with a silent presence. If he speaks, the curse will shatter his soul into bits. And then there’s still the matter of the sorceress. You know an enraged woman is going to have the final say…unless love proves more powerful.

Ester: I love reading about the Scots. Maeve, what do you do in your spare time for fun?

Maeve: I’ve got this camera that I’m trying to master. Photography is my second love and I’ve nearly blinded every person and critter within the sound of my voice. I seem to have a problem adjusting my monster flash. *sigh*

Ester: I know what you mean about that. I used to have my own studio and if you’re dealing with digital cameras, too much light will kill your images. Try using the natural light in each shot instead of relying on flash. Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year?

Maeve: Not yet. I’m afraid I’m a last minute type gal. Yes, I know. *sigh* But as the saying goes, it is what it is.
I think the greatest gift I’ve discovered as a writer isn’t a publishing contract but all the wonderful new friendships I’ve formed. When I started writing, it was a solitary existence with very little “mingling” over the internet. Now, with all the writer’s groups, there’s a very supportive community waiting to cheer you on in your victories and cry with you when things fall through. It’s warmed my heart immensely. This blog is one example. Without the writing community, I would’ve never found this lovely place.

Ester: Why, thank you, Maeve. I appreciate that.

Maeve: Thank you for your hospitality and I wish you all the successes you’ve ever sought.

Ester: Thanks, Maeve. You can find Maeve at her website, http://www.maevegreyson.com, or blogging at http://maevegreyson.blogspot.com. And if you want to check out her pictures of Scotland and Ireland, go to Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson.) Or you can tweet with her at http://twitter.com/maevegreyson. Now if you want to see videos of “Beyond a Highland Whisper” and “Eternity’s Mark,” go to http://www.youtube.com/user/maevegreyson.
Maeve resides in a wooded sanctuary in Kentucky.

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Lex Valentine

Posted on December 17th, 2010

Ester: Hello everyone! Today I’m speaking with Lex Valentine. First of all, Lex, tell me what made you decide to become a writer and how long have you been writing?

Lex Valentine

Lex: I never decided to be one. I think it was just in me. I’ve been writing since I was a little kid. I won a poetry contest in the 3rd grade. I guess I just had stories to tell and things to say. And I’ve always thought that maybe I write because I’m shy and I have trouble meeting people and making friends. It gives me an outlet. Professionally speaking, I got my first contract in October 2008.

Ester: Do you write full-time or part-time?

Lex: Part-time, sadly. I have a full-time job as a network administrator for a cemetery/mortuary company.

Ester: Tell us about your latest releases.

Lex: Rock My World is a M/F erotic contemporary romance about a rock star who falls for her younger opening act.

Rock My World by Lex Valentine

Honorable Silence is a gay DADT military anthology. My contribution to it is Afterburner, an erotic gay romance about two Air Force fighter pilots who fall in love.

Honorable Silence

Ester: Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year?

Lex: Nothing in 2010, but I plan to go to the Romantic Times convention in Los Angeles in 2011.

Ester: Do you have a website, Lex, so others can check on your latest releases?

Lex: My author website is at: http://lexvalentine.com. My personal blog is at:
http://sunlightsucks.com. And fans can join my fan forum at: http://fivedarkrealms.com/forums.

Ester: Cool. Anything else you’d like to tell us, Lex?

Lex: I feel very fortunate to have met people along this journey of mine who were the kind of people who give back to the universe. I wouldn’t be here today with Jennifer Leeland “discovering” me or Mary Winter mentoring me and Dee Carney and Z.A. Maxfield befriending me. And it’s the readers and fans who keep me at this, all the people who send me fan email and chat with me on my Facebook page and on Twitter. I sincerely appreciate every one of them.

Ester: Thanks, Lex for taking time out to speak with me. I enjoyed our interview.
Be sure and check out Lex’ website and blog. Lex lives in California and in her spare time she plays an online horse racing sim game, as well as reads and creates websites.

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Author Linda Wisdom

Posted on November 29th, 2010

Ester: Hello and welcome to AuthorBlogSpot. Today I’m speaking with Linda Wisdom. Tell me Linda, what made you decide to become a writer?

Linda Wisdom, signing in the emerald city

Linda: I always wanted to be a writer. I like to say it’s been since I could pick up a crayon. I made up stories as a kid and it continued from there.

Ester: How long have you been writing professionally?

Linda: If you break it down, I’ve been writing for 31 years, sold 30 years ago and writing full time for 30 years.

Ester: So you got published soon after you started writing, then?

Linda: I was lucky and sold my first two books right off the bat to Silhouette Books in 1979 that was brand new at the time and the line didn’t even launch until the following year. I’d written the two books, Silhouette was looking for new authors and I went on from there. I was fired from my job a month after I sold and perhaps a sign, because I started writing full time then.

Ester: What would you do differently the next time?

Linda: For the beginning? Nothing. Although it would have been nice to know other authors. I didn’t meet another one for over a year. It would have been great to know someone who’d understand me. And I wouldn’t have been so cocky. I sold three books within six months and it took me a little over a year to sell my next book.

Ester: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Linda: Know your market, read all you can in the genre you want to read and join writing groups. Make sure you have the basics in hand.

Ester: Who or what influences or inspires your writing, Linda?

Linda: My surroundings, things I see on TV, it’s a bit of everything and sometimes it’s a ‘what if’ moment popping into my head.

Ester: After you got your first contract, were you asked to do revisions? How did that go?

Linda: LOL! Oh boy, did I. I was asked to take the middle of the book, put it in the beginning and move the beginning to the middle. And this was back when I used an IBM Executive typewriter!

Ester: Yikes, that must have hurt.

Linda: I felt I needed absolute silence to work, so I holed up in a motel room on weekends since I still had my day job then. It was a big job for a brand new author, but I managed.

Ester: What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Linda: I love getting together with my friends and we meet for breakfast or lunch at least once a month, so I’m getting out several times a month. I also love going for drives. Or perhaps I should say my muse enjoys going for drives.

Ester: Do you have any works in progress you’d like to tell me about?

Linda's latest release

Linda: I’m working on my next two Hex books. Maggie, who was introduced in Hex in High Heels, is the star of The Best Hex Ever and Thea, the diva romance novelist will be after that. I’m also working on some YA paranormal books.

Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom


O'Hara vs Wilder


Wicked By Any Other Name

Ester: What are your latest releases?

Linda: Hex in High Heels is out now along with the first three books in my series. They’re online at Amazon, BN, Books A Million and in the bookstores. Here’s a back page blurb for my book:

In this sexy, funny paranormal romance by bestselling author Linda Wisdom, it’s all beautiful witch Blair Fitzpatrick can do to keep a lid on her talent for revenge spells, but things are about to get a lot more complicated…

Blair loves running her vintage shop and hanging out with witchy friends Stasi and Jazz. She’s forever had a crush on hunky carpenter Jake Harrison, whose Were nature (he’s a Border Collie) makes him loyal, lovable, and fierce when need be. Just as sparks are beginning to fly, Blair is served with a big surprise when Jake’s mother shows up along with his pack leader, who threatens to make Jake heel! When the alpha does the unthinkable, Blair is pushed over the edge. No one messes with her boyfriend-to-be, even if he does shed on the furniture!

Ester: Now that sounds like a cute story. Do you have any appearances coming up?

Linda: All my promo for Hex in High Heels is over, although I’m now working on some local appearances for next February. I probably should call it My Hexy Valentine.

Brady's Hellion

Ester: Thanks Linda, for being my guest today. You can check out Linda’s website at: www.lindawisdom.com or her blog at: http://linda-wisdom.blogspot.com.
Linda lives in California where she is so happy her readers have enjoyed the witches. A writer enjoys knowing people are reading her work.

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Author Amber Kallyn

Posted on November 23rd, 2010

Ester: Today I’m speaking with Amber Kallyn. Thanks, Amber for being here. What made you decide to become a writer?

Amber: I never actually sat down and decided to become a writer. I’ve just always been one. But after our fourth child, we decided it was better (and cheaper) for me to quit working and stay home, I decided to take my love of writing and try to get published.

Ester: How long did it take to get published the first time and how did it happen?

Amber: From the time I decided to try to get published to my first contract was almost four years. It’s about average in the industry. There were many close calls along the way that fell through, too. During that time, I’ve taken numerous online classes with other authors, and made sure to write nearly every day.

Ester: What would you do differently the next time?

Amber: My biggest mistake was querying and submitting too soon. When I look back at the first book I finished (and queried) I can imagine agents and publishers sitting at their desks laughing crazily at reading it. The story wasn’t all that bad, but the craft definitely sucked :)

Ester: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Amber: The best advice I could give anyone is to never give up. The publishing world is notoriously slow. As long as someone perseveres, writing, honing the craft, learning everything they can, they will be published someday.

Ester: What (or who) inspires or influences your writing?

Amber: My favorite author, maybe cliche, is Stephen King. I devour his books, his skill at storytelling is legendary. I’m also inspired by Anne Rice (yeah) because she was one of the first to bring urban fantasy and the ‘good, sexy’ vampires to the stage. JK Rowling is not only inspiring, but enthralling as well. She managed to get not only a good portion of kids reading again, but adults, too. Because of her, the young adult genre has exploded.

Ester: I’ve noticed that, too. Tell me, Amber, after you got your first contract, were you asked to do revisions? How did that go?

Amber: Yes. I was planning 8 books for the Dragos series, but was told readers prefer only 3-4 in a series. So, I had to cut down my overarching bad guy’s plot. This required adding a bit more to book 1. I was also asked to go through the story and get deeper into POV in places. Then I had two rounds of edits and a copy edit to go over.

Ester: So do you write full-time or part-time?

Amber: I write as much as I can. I’m a full time student, but I take classes online so I can accelerate them as I want. My evenings are for my kids and family — school, scout and sport events, eating, and just chilling together. This year, my baby started kindergarten, full day. Now, I have my days for writing and school work. It’s been a bit of a transition, but my semester is almost done and now I have a lot more time for writing.

Ester: Wow! I had a hard enough time juggling classes and a part-time job when I was single. I can’t imagine trying to do what you’re doing now.

Amber: I do tend to try to get something (writing, editing, revising) done every day, though I’ll take the weekends off occasionally.

Ester: What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Amber: Fun? As a mother of four and a full time student, writing is my fun. That’s why I do it :) I also have an addiction to horror movies — except most of the time they’re stupid or funny. At least that’s what I’ve been told. I love zombies. I recently heard a term ‘Torture Porn’ in reference to slasher movies like ‘Saw’ (I, II,…XX). I devour those kind of movies with glee. Tells you how strange I am.

Ester: Tell us about your latest release/releases.

Amber: My latest release, Dragos 1: Burned is about a dragon shapeshifter who falls in love with a fireman. I had this idea for years before I sat down to write it.
I just turned in Dragos 2: Scorched, for release in January. This month, I’ll be working on Dragos 3, as well as some short stories and one of my novel length paranormal erotic romances.

Ester: Do you have any appearances/book signings scheduled?

Amber: I’ll be at Night Owl Reviews for their Winter Treasure Hunt during December. Players can win great prizes from many authors, including an Amber Kallyn story. On December 6th, I’ll be guest blogging at TRS Blue (The Romance Studio). December 10th is my Release party at TRS. Win great prizes from a ton of authors, and get sneak peeks of their books. Release day for my short story, Mistletoe. On December 17th, I’ll be guest blogging at Whipped Cream Reviews.. And on December 22nd, TRS Book Giveaway. Win a free copy of one of my books.

Ester: I want to thank you again, Amber, for taking time out of your busy day to answer these questions. Amber Kallyn lives in hot, dry Arizona. Check out her website and blogs at www.AmberKallyn.com, and Amber Kallyn Blog, as well as Higley Browne Blog. Her group blogs are: 7 Evil Dwarves and Plot Mamas.

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