Author Interview: Hailey Sawyer

Today, I am interviewing debut author, Hailey Sawyer. A native Rhode-Islander, Hailey holds a fascination with Japanese culture and writes that into her novel “Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale” which is expected to debut on November 10, 2021.

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What inspired you to write a novel?

I would say that the idea for Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale inspired me to write a novel. It was one of those ideas that just sort of popped into my head one day in 2017. Although I wasn’t sure if this was an idea I wanted to turn into a novel at first, I eventually went ahead with it.

What drew you to Japanese culture?

I’ve been a fan of Japanese culture since I was about nine or ten years old. It’s a bit fuzzy since I was still kind of young when it happened, but I think what drew me to Japanese culture was a few different things, including the book Hachiko Waits by Leslia Newman.

How would you describe your writing process? Do you plot, pants, or “plants”?

I would describe myself as a plotter. So whenever I write a story, I like to start by creating character sheets. These contain things such as a character’s role in a story, their likes and dislikes, and so on. I’ll even throw in bits of plot that’s relevant to that character. After the sheets are created, I move onto writing the plot outline and once that’s done, I start writing the actual story.

What led you to choose the self-publishing route?

I chose the self-publishing route based on the research I’ve done on different publishing options. During my research, I discovered two things. The existence of self-publishing platforms such as Draft2Digital and Smashwords and the abundance of author and beta reading groups, marketers, editors, cover designers, and many others on Goodreads alone. As a result of these discoveries, I realized that I didn’t have to go through a traditional publisher in order to publish my novel or get the resources I needed for it.

Do you have any projects planned after Kenji and Yuki?

At this time, I don’t have any projects planned after Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale.

What do you love most about living in Rhode Island?

What I love about living in Rhode Island the most is just how many beautiful beaches there are. Not only that, but there’s also so many types of beaches. There’s big beaches, small beaches, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, and so on.

How have you been spending time during this pandemic?

I’ve been working on Kenji and Yuki: A Japanese Tale and not paying attention to the news too much.

What is one thing you would like to do but have never done?

The one thing that I’d like to do but have never done is go on a really long hike in one of America’s national parks.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was Demon Slayer Volume One. This book is awesome. The pacing is really brisk, but I was never confused as to what was going on or who certain characters were. Speaking of characters, I really felt for the main character Tanjiro. Like, this guy had almost his entire family slaughtered by a demon and had his sister turned into a demon. Despite this though, he still sees his sister as a person and does what he can to help her. He also constantly tries and fails to conquer his demon slayer training. Yet, he doesn’t stop trying and when he actually succeeds, it’s really satisfying. Some people might say that it’s kind of generic as far as shounen works go, but I say it’s still very well done.

Do you prefer concrete or open endings?

For me, I think it depends on two things. The execution and whether or not it fits the story.

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For more information on Hailey’s work, follow the links below and please consider supporting her. In addition to purchasing an author’s works, there are many non-monetary ways to support them such as leaving a review, giving them a shoutout on social media, telling your friends about them, sharing their posts, or leaving a supportive comment.

Website: https://haileysawyer.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HaileySawyer101

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/78172698-hailey-sawyer

Kenji and Yuki: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57990976-kenji-and-yuki

Author Interview: Constantine Dhonau

Today, I am interviewing debut author, Constantine Dhonau. Constantine defied tradition by publishing a hybrid poetry book/memoir compilation of poetry, letters, journal entries, and various notes that spans ten years of his life, from his late teens to his late twenties. You can purchase Constantine’s debut “Collateral Intentions” on Amazon, Apple Books, and Smashwords.

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What was the last book you read?

“The Tao Of Physics” by Fritjof Capra. I bought it during my initial manic-fury-buying of everything Tao. I expected no more than pure poppycock and woo-woo soothe-saying about quasi-cosmic-something-or-other. Come to find out, that thing is IMPRESSIVELY scientific. It incorporates and explains the deepest parts of modern quantum mechanics in relation to Eastern mysticism. If you don’t read “Collateral Intentions,” you need to check out “The Tao Of Physics”.

With life returning to “normal” in some countries, what is one thing you are looking forward to doing?

I’d like to travel to Japan! Never been to the East but I looooove the culture. They are a people who embody “aesthetic”. From what I see, they have a deep respect for nature and go to great lengths to live in harmony with nature. Their identity is rooted deeply in rich traditions and ceremonies which are renowned for being honed to a scientifically artful execution. And, as much as Japan is known for serious, awe-inspired reverence, they’re just as famous for their silly, outrageous sense of humor.

What is your poetry-writing process?

I try to step out of the way. Writing goes best for me when I forget myself. It gets worse when I start having “clever ideas”. I’ll do anything from take voice memos while walking around town at midnight, to writing notes on my phone, scribbling sentences on the back of receipts, to journaling. I’m happy that my approach has evolved over the years and continues to do so. I’d prefer not to have a “formula” to rely on. One of the pieces I’m most proud of recently was a several-month endeavour, the longest I’ve ever taken on a single poem. That one was a scattered collection of creative thoughts and observations while I was a wilderness therapy guide working with at-risk teens & young adults in the Utah desert and Colorado mountains. It also happens to be one of the final poems of “Collateral Intentions”.

What inspired you to write and publish “Collateral Intentions?”

T’was inspired by a desire to put together a book of selected works to read to my students in the field while I was a wilderness therapy guide. I made a small booklet with a few originals and many other established works. It was a fun process creating it (stirring a deep satisfaction to organize and agonize over the most minute details night after sleepless night, cursing the dawn as a landmark of time passing beyond what I could accomplish within “reason”). So, I decided to continue (how insatiable was the urge) and create a larger collection by combing through my dozen journals. Some friends caught wind of my side-project (whole-hearted obsession) that I started so I could have all my writing in one place and they began asking after it. I gave away manuscripts for the cost of printing. At some point, someone teased me about publishing. “PFEH!” I would say. “HA!” I would scoff. “HRNGH!” I would grumble. Then, after sifting through many-a-scam-site, I decided to actually get it bound in earnest.

Are you working on any new projects?

That’s classified! However, I do have something very tangibly in the works that’s drastically different from “Collateral Intentions” and ideas for about a dozen books that’s series-esque in the near future.

What is the best advice you ever received?

“Do what makes you feel good.”
– Howard
Retired, 3rd-grade Education

What do you like to do outside of writing?

Napping, watching shows, walking around, dancing at a bar, camping, random high-adventure sport excursions with friends, and/or doom-scrolling on my phone. I like tea. I’m a homebody and a space/tech nerd. I’ve been possessed by Daoism in the past two years that I’m dangerously close to calling myself a DaoIST. I play the hand drum and trombone. I’m a bit like a cat: lazy, sporadic, I purr occasionally. I’m working on letting go of fixed plans and surrendering to the current of life. For the rest and whatnot in between, you’ll have to check out the book.

The format of “Collateral Intentions” is fascinating – what led you to include the entire compilation of your work?

The entire compilation is a bit much, I admit. It may have been wiser to release several chapbooks, right? I believe that is the format that made the most sense to me because it’s beautiful to be able to see clear progress over so many years as a person and a writer. It’s also a planting of a flag: “I have accomplished all of this. Don’t forget it. Now, for my next trick…” It’s an invitation to future readers and a personal challenge to crank out more moving forward instead of relying on what’s already been done.

What do you believe makes a good writer?

Personal satisfaction is #1. Are you satisfied with yourself and what you’ve done? Were you able to put yourself out there and detach from the nitpicking of “it’s not ready yet”? Can you be whole-heartedly PROUD of yourself and your baby?
After that comes the external stuff. Less important, but still informative. It’s hard to get people to invest in something that isn’t established in its own right. So, once you get over that hurdle, how do they receive it? Are you making an impact? I believe art is about impact, intentional or unintentional. Artists unanimously and unequivocally are trying to communicate their perspective through their art—are you able to get people to understand you? If not (and most, if not all, don’t), are you able to get someone to see SOMETHING differently?

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors and poets?

Lately, I’ve reframed this book in my head as a “hobby” instead of a “job.” The distinction being mostly financial for me. You don’t spend money on a hobby expecting to make money back, you just do it for the fun of it. This book has already gone further than I thought it would. So, at each step of the process it’s been a pleasant surprise to make a new small goal for myself to see how much further I can get. For instance, I never even considered doing an author interview when I started, yet here we are!
Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure talking about my baby. 

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For more information on Constantine’s work, check out his social media at the links below and please consider supporting him. In addition to purchasing an author’s works, there are many non-monetary ways to support them such as leaving a review, giving them a shoutout on social media, telling your friends about them, sharing their posts, or leaving a supportive comment.

Author Website/Blog: https://www.constantinedhonau.com/blog

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdhonau/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20431911.Constantine_Dhonau

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/constantinedhonau

Author Website/Blog: https://www.constantinedhonau.com/blog

Amazon (eBook & Print): https://www.amazon.com/Collateral-Intentions-Stories-Journal-Entires/dp/0578663422/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/collateral-intentions/id1503092314

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1009139

Author Interview: Roslyn Muir

Today, I am interviewing award-winning screenwriter and author Roslyn Muir. Roslyn has several credits under her belt, including Ransom (created by Frank Spotnitz, Man in the High Castle,) Washed Away, Stranger in the House, Reluctant Witness, and The Birdwatcher (directed by Siobhan Devine.) Her debut middle grade novel was released on October 15th, and her half-hour young adult comedy, The Tutors, is in development with the CBC.

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What inspired you to write a novel?

I never really set out to write a novel. Up until that point I had been writing and selling  screenplays and was happy with the direction my career was taking. But often the story and characters have their own idea of what they want. The Chimera’s Apprentice would make a really great film, but I knew I needed to work out the world and characters in prose. At the time I was also doing an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and was inspired to try new genres. It was a big risk to write out of my comfort zone, but I’m happy I gave it a go.

How did you come up with the idea for The Chimera’s Apprentice?

Ideas generally come to me as plot or character. For The Chimera’s Apprentice it started with the main character, Kyra. I first imagined her as a younger girl going on a dangerous adventure. Snippets of the story came to me, as they do, and I just let them percolate in my brain for a while. Then one day I was at a yard sale and I found a book for young readers on Greek Myths. I grabbed it for a quarter and leafed through it thinking there might be something that would spark my imagination. When I came to the chimera a light bulb went on. I knew there was something appealing and frightening about the imaginary beast and that I just had to include it somehow.

How did you get into filmmaking?

Peer pressure. It’s an odd thing to say but it’s kinda true. My friends and I were all actors and theatre majors. Coupled with the fact that Vancouver, Canada, where I live, was becoming a film hub, it just seemed to be in the air. Suddenly everyone was writing movies. I also found it easier to write screenplays as they are lean and mean. You don’t need fancy prose. I’m a plotter so it’s a good skill to have in film and TV.

As a filmmaker, what do you look for in a story?

I tend to write female-driven stories. It’s what I know and what I like to watch. I love dramas, thrillers, comedies, and sci-fi. I did direct a couple of short films, but realized early on that I wasn’t very good at it. Now I only write as it seems to be the best use of my couch.

Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on so far?

My feature film, The Birdwatcher, was by far the most difficult and most rewarding project to date. I worked with a director, Siobhan Devine, who was very passionate about the story. We had both just lost people to cancer so we had that in common. It’s an indie film and was made on a shoestring budget. I had to produce as well and did a variety of jobs and tasks from serving the crew coffee to doing payroll and driving RV’s around. Whew! Writing books is way easier.

What influenced your move from Scotland to Canada?

My parents moved my entire family to Canada when I was seven. It’s always recommended you put an interesting tidbit in your bio ;).

What do you like to read/watch?

I love reading thrillers. Even though I love writing middle grade fantasy, I’m a bit of a whodunit addict. Louise Penny, Tess Gerritsen, Ruth Ware, and Gillian Flynn, are all favourite writers of mine. I watch a variety of shows, but I’m big on Sci-fi—Away, The Umbrella Academy, Star Trek. But I’m also crazy about odd-ball comedies like Schitt’s Creek and Community.

Best advice you ever received?

Write a TV movie. When I was just starting out, a mentor of mine told me about three times that I should write thrillers for Lifetime TV. I resisted, then when I finally did it I found I was good at it. I’ve had several produced thrillers that have been broadcast all over the world.

How have you been spending quarantine?

Eating. Writing. Crying. Not necessarily in that order. Thank goodness for cats.

What is one thing you would like to do but have never done?

My number one on my bucket list is to go to Egypt. I’ve always been into Ancient Egypt and devour documentaries about it. I just love everything Egyptian. Oh, and dinosaurs. I would love to go on a dig and discover a dinosaur.

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For more information on Roslyn’s work, check out her social media at the links below and please consider supporting her. In addition to purchasing and reviewing an author’s works, there are many free ways to support them, such as giving them a shoutout on social media, sharing their posts, or leaving a supportive comment.

Website: http://www.roslynmuir.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1777283906/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tpbk_p1_i0
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20607805.Roslyn_Muir
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosmuir/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roslynmuirauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/muir1740/the-chimeras-apprentice-middle-grade-fantasy/
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1803417/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
The Birdwatcher Movie Trailer: https://www.thebirdwatchermovie.com/trailer.html
OMG (Short Comedic Film) https://vimeo.com/user14044913

Author Interview: Melina Druga

Today, I am interviewing author and freelance writer, Melina Druga. Melina has authored two business advice books, a book on WWI, and a true crime history book. The first book in her WWI historical fiction trilogy is available now, with books two and three coming October 12th 2020 and April 2021. Read her interview below to learn what drew her to write about the late 19th and early 20th centuries and which author she would love to meet.

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What is your favorite historical event?

I’m a huge lover of history, to the point that I consider myself an amateur historian, but I don’t have a favorite historical event.  That’s because I prefer to study how life was for ordinary people, and history books are full of famous people as well as political and military events.  I want to know what it was like in the quiet moments, in everyday life.  Since I write from a woman’s perspective, specifically, what was life like for women?  What opportunities did they have?  What barriers and challenges did they face?  What brought them joy or sadness?  How did they dress?  What did they do for fun?

With two business advice books under your belt, what is your favorite piece of advice for entrepreneurs?

Not so much advice, but a dose of reality.  No one will love your business the way you do, so don’t expect to rely on friends and family’s support.  You’ll work harder for yourself than for any employer, without pay for months or years, and still there is no guarantee of success.

Your novels are set in the late 19^TH and early 20^th centuries – what drew you to that era?

I am drawn to the period 1890-1920 because it is both familiar and antiquated.  Nearly every technology we have today was in existence then, just in an earlier form.  It’s also a time of great societal and political change.  That period also corresponds with my main character’s lifetime.  Hettie was born in 1892, and we last see her on New Year’s Day 1920.

Is writing your primary source of income? If so, do you have any advice for those seeking to make it their primary income?

Yes and no.  It is my only source of income, but we are a two income household, and my husband is the breadwinner.

If you could rewrite any moment in history, what would it be? 

That’s a tough one.  I’m sure you’ve heard of the butterfly effect.  People, for example, often say things like they would go back in time and kill Hitler.  If that happened, I wouldn’t exist because my grandparents meet when American citizens were evacuated from Europe during WWII.  They were born in different states and never would have met otherwise.  So, you can’t go back in time and rewrite just one event, because every event is connected to numerous other events.  That’s a power I don’t really want to have.

What has been your experience with freelance writing? Do you write for a particular industry? How do you find work?

I have been freelance writing since 2011, although I dabbled in it prior to that.  I’m a generalist as far as industry goes.  I specialize in blog posts, news stories and news briefs as well as newsletter articles.  I have found work via LinkedIn and responding to job ads.  Prospective clients are welcome to contact me directly as well.

What was the last book you read?

I’m currently in the process of reading a book on marketing.

How have you been spending quarantine?

Writing.  My career is one of the few things I have control over right now, so I’ve been pouring all my available time into it.  I put in about a seven hour day in the morning/afternoon doing client work and fiction.  Then around 9 p.m., I start writing again and put in another five to seven hours.  I’m also taking the time to learn more about the paid marketing options that are available to me.  And I’m launching the second novel in my WWI Trilogy in October, and the third book in April.

What is one thing you would like to do, but have never done?

There are so many places I’d love to travel to.  I’ve never been farther west than Nashville, and I’ve never been out of North America.

If you could receive advice from any author (living or dead,) who would it be and what would you ask them?

My favorite author is Edith Wharton, and I would really like to have a conversation with her.  I don’t think I would ask her about writing, though.  She wrote a book on the subject, so I already know her views.  She lived through the Gilded Age, so I’d love to pick her brain about what the era was like.  She’d be the best historical research source ever.

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For more information on Melina’s work, check out her social media at the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Melina-Druga/e/B00FSFCJOW
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MelinaDruga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinadruga/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelinaDruga
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDl0TprzCEr0cgjYI-dbymw?view_as=subscriber
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MelinaDruga/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MelinaDruga

Author Interview: P.L. Tavormina

Today, I am interviewing research scientist, climate change activist, and novelist, P.L. Tavormina. Among many things, she is passionate about education, the environment, and climate change. Read her interview below to learn more about this remarkable researcher as well as her solution to climate change and the meaning of life.

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WHAT, IF ANY, CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHEN SWITCHING FROM NON-FICTION TO FICTION?

First, thanks for the opportunity. I love talking with other writers and thinking through the reasons why we’re doing this crazy thing of writing.

My nonfiction was technical. Journal articles about medical projects, Earth science, basic academic research. With technical writing, you report the facts and fit them into what’s already known. 

A lot of the basic approach actually carries over to fiction. You know, like writing is actually work, whether its nonfiction or fiction. And a piece needs to make sense, redrafting might be needed to bring in clarity or punch up something that’s weak. Independent feedback helps. Those parts carried over from my years writing nonfiction.

The challenge of fiction writing has been to add feelings. A good novel makes us laugh or cry or shake our fist at the world. Using words emotionally has been my biggest challenge. I’ve loved grappling with it.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING PROCESS? DO YOU PLOT, PANTS, OR “PLANTS”?

So, stories have a structure to them, a journey the characters follow, determined by events and choices. A lot of great writers can write ‘by the seat of their pants’ and end up with a beautiful piece. Not me. If I try to pants a story I end up with characters running around doing a lot of nonsensical things.

I plot. I use outlines and spreadsheets and beat sheets … I use math. 

But after I plot the outline and write a first draft, I rewrite the story. In this draft I let the characters breathe and play. I ask them to make choices, and I ask them to surprise me. Sometimes key plot points gwt changed. In a sense, I bring in a little pantsing. Does that make me a plantser? I think I’m a plotter.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BEING AN AUTHOR?

There’s so much to enjoy—meeting writers, creating stories, using social media and sharing ideas. I suppose one challenge is that it takes a long time to write a story. A short story can take me six months. A novel takes years, for me. I suppose a second challenge is that in the trade publishing world, finding representation is a long shot. The trade path is narrow, but we’re fortunate to live in a time where other paths exist.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO READ?

I love stories where I fall into the protagonist’s head on page one. My favorite genres are contemporary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction, but for a book to grab me, I need to fall into the protagonist’s world right away. 

I’m re-reading some of Anne Rice’s vampire books. Her stories are one example of the writing I mean. She’s great at showing what the characters are going through, from deep within their viewpoint. Matt Haig writes in very different style, but it’s the same effect—in both cases I’m ‘in’ the story right away. 

DO YOU HAVE PASSIONS OUTSIDE OF WRITING?

Education. Raising kind children. The environment. Helping people who are in a bad place. I think everyone wonders why we’re here, the meaning of life, and to me it’s about growing, every year. By caring for people and the world around us we give our lives meaning. And these additional passions also bring peace, because we’re helping others. 

OUT OF THE VARIOUS TOPICS YOU HAVE RESEARCHED, WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Biodiversity, baby. Did you know there are deep-sea creatures that can detect a single photon of light? There are fish that change from female to male. There’s a nautilus that basically has a detachable penis (it detaches and swims after the females. I kid you not.). There’s a fungus in Michigan as old as Socrates weighing more than four hundred tons. There are insects that freeze solid and then start crawling around again when they thaw. 

And don’t even get me started on symbiotic relationships. Those are wild.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SPENDING QUARANTINE?

I’ve been protesting climate change through letters to our representatives and newspapers and through virtual protests. One of the thin silver linings of 2020 is that global emissions are down eight percent over 2019. It’s the largest drop in emissions in history. We have an opportunity to shift onto green energy, which will be crucial to meet the 2030 targets.

I’ve also been writing. In addition to getting the sequel to Aerovoyant into decent shape this year, I’ve contributed a short story to an anthology. It’s called Writers in Lockdown, on Amazon.

And I’ve been gardening and cooking. We had garden pesto last night, yum. 

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

We all care about this now, which is such a positive change from thirty years ago. Most people understand the climate threat—and the solution stems from that. People understand the problem and do what they can to help. Whether that means driving a more fuel-efficient car or putting better insulation on their house or choosing adoption over reproduction. There are so many ways to fight climate change, and in the end, the solution boils down to simple math. We must sink more carbon than we emit. That’s it. That means protecting our carbon sinks—forests and oceans—and burning way less carbon that’s stored in the ground. No more fossil fuels. None. That carbon is sunk. Keep it sunk.

Some people want a technological solution to pull CO2 out of the air, because that would let us continue burning fuel. There are ideas about it, like ocean fertilization, geoengineering the atmosphere, artificial trees. Those are great to explore and develop, but we mustn’t allow an idea to be an excuse to burn more oil. We’ve been tossing around technological fixes for a long time, and either they come with their own risk, like the downstream effects of ocean fertilization, or they’re not technologically feasible. 

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO, BUT HAVE NEVER DONE?

I’d love to see remote places like Antarctica, the Galapagos, parts of Africa. I’d love to see some of the beautiful, unique animals that live in isolated regions, like platypuses and penguins. It won’t happen, because I’ve given up air travel, but if they make a solar airplane it could happen, I guess. ☺ I love this planet.

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For more information on P.L. Tavormina’s work, check out her social media at the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Aerovoyant-Industrial-Age-P-L-Tavormina-ebook/dp/B081X4T51G/

Website: https://pltavormina.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pltavormina/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pltavormina?lang=en

Author Interview: Shivon Gunalan

Today, I am interviewing debut author and woman-empowerer, Shivon Gunalan. Shivon’s passion is helping women find their voice and reach their full potential. Her journey inspired her to write “A Divine Connection,” which is available now. Read Shivon’s interview to learn more about her inspiration and also her advice for surviving quarantine.

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WHAT MAKES YOU GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

The possibility of adventure, and what good things lie await for me to receive.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? 

I have always loved to write. The plot for my divine connection started as a dream and I wanted readers to have a love story that offers hope.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING PROCESS? DO YOU PLOT, PANTS, OR “PLANTS”?

I would describe it as “pants”. I usually have an idea, and I build on that by introducing the right characters into the story.  

wERE THERE ANY EVENTS SURROUNDING YOUR INSPIRATION FOR “a dIVINE cONNECTION?”

It was during lockdown and a single woman, I was trying to meet new ppl. But I felt so drawn to a story in the bible that created chance encounters. That was my inspiration.

IS WRITING YOUR PRIMARY INCOME, OR DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER CAREER?

Writing is for passion. I have a full time job.

dO you have passions outside of writing?

Yes. I am a strong advocate of empowering women and creating a new generation leaders. I blog and do youtube interviews in line to this.

What do you like to read?

I love to read leadership and motivational books.

What is the best advice you received?

You can go as high as you want if you dare to dream big.

Do you have any advice for coping with COVID/quarantine?

Use the time wisely to follow your passion. Cherish the people you love.

If you could receive an answer to one question, what would that question be?

How have I impacted your life?

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For more information on Shivon’s work, check out her social media at the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

Shivon’s Novel: https://amazon.com/Divine-Connection-hearts-connected-power-ebook/dp/B08CR8JJQ5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=shivon+gunalan&qid=1596800775&sr=8-1

Shivon’s Website: https://shivongunalan.com/

Shivon’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShivonGunalan/

Shivon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivongunalan/

Shivon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShivonAaria

Shivon’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8AWtbgLR8BAGIqHPZVob3A?view_as=subscriber

Author Interview: Winnie Frolik

Today, I am interviewing debut author, Winnie Frolik. With a love for animals, nature, and baking, Winnie has always been drawn to write on the side no matter her occupation. Read her interview below to learn more about her current works in progress and what makes a good writer.

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What inspired you to begin writing?

I’ve been writing for most of my life.  My interest in telling stories dates back to elementary school, and I majored in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Pittsburgh.  Over the years, I’ve pursued many types of employment; non-profit work, baking, pet care but I’ve always continued to write on the side.

Were there any authors or novels that influenced Sarah Crow?

I consciously wrote Sarah Crow in the style of books by Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, George Eliot, and other noteworthy works by 19th century British authors.  Though none of them so far as I know tackled self-mutilation.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently tackling a murder mystery set in England in 1936 with the backdrop of the coming war.  My main heroine is a District Nurse who is also a closeted lesbian and the main detective is a former German-Jewish policeman now trying to eke out a living in England as a P.I. I’ve also just started an urban fantasy about a librarian with lupus who comes into possession of a Book of Magic and begins to study witchcraft.  But of course people want the book too.

What do you believe makes a good writer?

There are many, many things that go into being a good writer.  Description, love of books, but one underrated quality is persistence.  It takes a lot of trial and effort to get any good. Sure Charles Dickens wrote the Pickwick Papers as a young man and went straight into super stardom but Dickens was a genius and geniuses are not like the rest of us.  It takes a great deal of practice.  You also have to learn to accept constructive criticism or you’ll never learn to be any better.  And of course it doesn’t hurt to have a cat.

What was the publication process like for you?

Again many, MANY years of learning to take rejection, until I happened to show my manuscript to an editor it clicked with.  Since then though, I couldn’t be happier since that particular editor has been a treasure and I really love the treatment I’ve received so far from One Idea Press.

Do you have passions outside of writing?

I enjoy hiking, I love animals, and I tend to lean liberal in my politics.  Because of Covid-19, I realize now more than ever how much I cherish my local library which I truly miss. I’m into a fair amount of Geek Culture from superhero movies, to Syfy network, British murder tv series, and baking shows.  I’m also known to binge watch old seasons of Face Off.  

What is your favorite historical event?

Woman gaining the vote and the election of Barack Obama both rank pretty highly.  As do the creation of national parks and on a local level the building of Carnegie Main Library.

Do you prefer cats or dogs?

Don’t get me wrong-I really like dogs.  But I’m spiritually bonded to cats.

If you could seek advice from any author (living or dead,) who would it be and what would you ask them?

I’d love advice from someone like Catherynne Valente, Naomi Novik, Octavia Butler, or Jessica Townsend on how I could become more creative and build such fantastic worlds as they do.  Or perhaps learn from Stephen King how to scare the wits out of people. Or best of all Agatha Christies advice on how to plot a whodunit.

If time and money weren’t a factor, what would you be doing?

If time, money, and the coronavirus weren’t factors I’d love to travel more and have all kinds of adventures.  

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For more information on Winnie’s work, check out the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

https://www.womanaroundtown.com/author/wfrolik/
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/sarah-crow/9781944134181
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Crow-Winnefred-Frolik/dp/1944134182/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sarah+crow&qid=1595173515&sr=8-2
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sarah-crow-winnefred-frolik/1134816146?ean=9781944134181

If you are an author, or have an interesting story, please reach out to me so we can connect!

Author Interview: Ann Doerwald

Today, I am interviewing debut author and photographer, Ann Doerwald. Ann is the author of the short story, “The Opening of the Paranormal Door.” Read Ann’s interview below to discover her experience with self-publishing, as well as her favorite ghost stories.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING? 

I have always enjoyed writing since I was younger. Making up either little comics or short stories, I believe it was in grade 6 we got to write a short novel in calls draw the pictures and all then they sent it off to get printed. That was my first taste, which was amazing for such a younger age. As I grew I would say the authors that inspired me would be : Ellen Hopkins, Stephen King, Cathy Glass.

What made you choose the self-publishing route? Were there any challenges with that?

I choose the self-publishing route because I honestly thought my manuscript was to short for traditional route. It was also more appealing to with payments, also a few authors novels I had read like ( my mothers secret) had self published threw iuniverse too. Having read some novel that also made it more appealing not to mention they had a deal happening as well where you also got a website. The challenges with it was just mainly on my end. Having anxiety doing calls was not the easiest at times, though I am glad that the team I had was good with calling.

How would you describe your writing process? Do you plot, pants, or “plants”?

The process very messy. I read and jotted down many different way to plot out the novel, in the end I just wrote the first draft as if it was just me reading it. Then going and placing that over a outline one of the many I keep jumping from. I read the novel the writers little helper. Which I got many good point from for my charatrater and scenes.

Were there any events surrounding your inspiration for The Opening of the Paranormal Door?

I Have always loved ghost and the paranormal every since I was younger. Often watching Canada most Haunted with my grandmother and uncle. I have had some strange events happen out of the corner of my eye, little tidbits I did add into the novel. Also a lot of family vacations with my cousin whom I was close to growing up.

What is your favorite ghost story? 

My favourite ghost story, Annabell I would have to say. Also the Warrens family. Anything that’s with them.

Is writing your primary source of income, or do you hold another position?

I am wanting writing to be my main income, right now its supplant income. I was working in kitchens before. Quite the change of passions.

Do you have passions outside of writing?

Ah yes I do. I have some artwork I do like painting. I have a photography side business as well that I just started going. Natalie Ann Photography. I enjoy being outside, reading or yoga.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

One food, that’s actually hard to choose. I would have to say either oranges or a lasagna.

How have you been spending quarantine?

I have been working on a second novel, more meditation, I am now in the process of also moving so that should be a interesting time to navigate. Doing more self discovery.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That pain is permeant, you will draw strength from those whom bully you. You will accomplish your goals and it may not be how you planed to reach that goal. That life is about the memories you make just enjoy the journey and not stress about the destination.

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For more information on Ann’s work, check out her social media at the links below and don’t forget to support her by purchasing her works.

Ann’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anndoerwald/
Ann’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ann-Doerwald-Author-102731884833990/
Ann’s Website: https://www.anndoerwald.com
Ann’s Short Story: Amazon

If you are an author, or have an interesting story, please reach out to me so we can connect!

Author Interview: David Field

Today, I am interviewing author David Field. With a passion for writing and history, David is the author of fifteen published novels. Read David’s interview below to learn more about his thoughts on living in Australia and which event in history he would rewrite.

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What inspired you to begin writing?

The desire to tell the stories that kept popping into my head ever since the age of 12, and my deep love of history.

What influenced your move from England to Australia?

A holiday, in which the surf, the BBQs and the climate told me that there was a better life than that in the UK under Margaret Thatcher.

In three words, how would you describe Australia?

Dramatic, tolerant, welcoming

How has your career as a criminal lawyer affected your approach to writing? Do you plot, pants, or “plants”?

Very little. With historical novels, the outline plot is already there. I just put the characters back where they belong, then let them play in my head.

Which of your fifteen published books is your favorite?

‘The Queen in Waiting’. I was able to put the scared, vulnerable young Elizabeth back under the jealous scrutiny of her twisted half sister Mary and see how she might have reacted.

How do you maintain motivation while writing, especially after so many books?

This is never a problem. The urge to write is almost addictive, even in many cases without any guarantee that the finished work will be published.

If you could have lunch with one of your characters, who would that be and why?

Without a doubt, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the central character in my novel ‘The King’s Commoner’. A man with an almost freakish intellectual ability and a modicum of piety, but proud, vainglorious, lustful and gluttenous. He rose to the greatest heights through his ability, then fell dramatically when he backed the wrong horse, and his many enemies lay in wait. He was a microcosm of all that was wrong with the Church of Rome immediately before the Reformation.

Do you have passions outside of writing?

Music. I’m the President of our local jazz club, and I have a lifelong love of country music.

What was the last book you read?

‘Bring Up the Bodies’, by Hilary Mantel. For the fourth time.

If you could rewrite one moment in history, what would that be?

The fall of Cardinal Wolsey, and his obscure burial in Leicester Abbey with no marker as to the location of his grave. If Richard 111 was worthy of being dug up and re-buried, then so was Thomas Wolsey.

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For more information on David’s work, check out his social media at the links below and don’t forget to support him by purchasing his works.

David’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidfi32735940?lang=en
David’s Website: https://davidfieldauthor.com/
David’s Works: https://www.amazon.com/David-Field/e/B078HJSLVF/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Author Interview: Tony DiGerolamo

Today, I am interviewing author, screenwriter, comic book writer, and more…Tony DiGerolamo. His credits include Politically Incorrect, Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, The Simpsons comic books, and Comedy Central’s Daily Show website. Read Tony’s interview below to learn his opinion on the current comedic scene and his advice for making writing your primary income.

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What inspired you to begin writing? 

In the first grade, the school offered short story contest.  The prize was a free McDonald’s hamburger.  I won so many times, the school asked me to stop entering so some of the other kids could win.

How did you obtain the writing gigs you mentioned?

Through friends I had gone to school with or knew through the improv scene.  Then later, because of my credits and just applying at the right time.

Who is your favorite person to collaborate with?

Col-lab-or-ate?  What is this word?  Actually, Christian Beranek is probably the only other writer I seriously collaborate with.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

Conan O’Brien, because I think he’d be fun to work with.

How does your writing process change, if at all, based on the format you are writing? (i.e. screenwriting versus novellas.)

Not much really.  I started with screenplays and still use the three act structure for almost everything.  My novellas are very dialogue driven.  I don’t really like to add too much description.  Slows everything down.  And, quite frankly, I’d rather picture the characters in my head my own way.  But with the novellas, I force myself to write more description.  Lots of times, I go back and add it because I realize it’s too sparse.  For screenplays, it depends on who I’m writing them for.  These days, I don’t do full length spec scripts.  They’re kind of a waste of time.

Is writing your primary source of income? If so, do you have any advice for those seeking to make it their primary income?

Mostly.  The virus derailed me somewhat.  Currently in a rebuilding mode.

My advice, land a job where you don’t have to pay attention and you can write while you do it.  Like security guard or something.

What do you like to read?

These days, not much.  Too busy.  I’ve been stuck on chapter five of the Gulag Archipelago.  Normally, I read political stuff on the Internet so I can complain about it on my YouTube Channel.

What is your favorite type of humor?

I like it all with few exceptions.  The Meta stuff isn’t all that great and these days, “comedians” have turned into serious news casters.  Usually if you’re not right on the border of pissing people off, you’re not very funny.  Too many of the comics are playing it safe now, with some exceptions.  Comedy has also become way too self-important.  People need to laugh, Goddammit.  If I wanted to be bored by your woke politics, I’d read the comments on the Twitter feed.

It’s time for comedy to be dangerous again.  That time is coming soon…

If given a clean slate, endless money, and no restrictions, what would you do and why?

Clean slate?  WTF do you think I did?!  Let’s see, first go on vacation in Vegas for a few weeks.  Then I’d probably turn Wokeistan into a movie because it’s pretty damned funny.  Then I’d start shooting the Pineys TV series, which I would also star in.  Which would both be fun and hilarious.

If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?

Persistently Caffeinated Contrarian

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For more information on Tony’s work, check out his social media at the links below and don’t forget to support him by purchasing his works

The Webcomic Factory
Super Frat
YouTube Channel
Bitchute Channel
Parler
Gab
Minds

If you are an author, or have an interesting story, please reach out to me so we can connect!