Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Dawn Skyy interviewed by Robin Leigh Morgan

HERE'S DAWN SKYY

Robin Leigh Morgan: Please introduce yourself.



Dawn Skyy: Greetings and Felicitations! My name is Dawn Skyy. I'm an Indie or independent author. I work the night shift for NYPD as a police clerical. By day after my errands and workout are done, I sleep like a vampire.



I'm a life-long Star Trek fan. In fact I'm considered to be one of "The Old Guard", one who literally grew up watching Star Trek from Kirk & Company to Voyager. I also love reading, science fiction, fantasy (especially if there be dragons in it!), spy, espionage, thriller and detective are the genres I enjoy the most. I also love classical music, old school R&B, jazz, and I've recently taken a liking country and blues.


Aside from reading and writing I'm also into photography, hand crafts (crocheting, knitting, beading) jogging, power walking, African dance, weight training, and I love animals, especially cats. I currently have two rescue cats I adopted nearly one year ago. Like typical cats, they have me perfectly trained.


Robin Leigh: Tell us about your latest published novel.

Dawn: It started out as a rant against a fan club I'd joined about three years ago. I wanted to warn people that certain fan clubs were not all they are cracked up to be. I'm not saying that all are as horrible or bad. Some fan clubs are well run and monitored organizations.

The one I hooked up with was the pits because it had none of the aforementioned qualities. Since it dealt with a real celebrity (whose name I would never reveal), I concocted a highly fictitious version of the events which transpired, names, and some places involved, and let it fly.

Robin Leigh: What is the latest book you’ve published?

Dawn: Cross Eyed: Part One is my first and only book.




Robin Leigh: Can you give us about a five sentence description from it.

Dawn: Darlene, a retired NYPD cop seeks out her best girlfriend Alexis for help in solving a mystery and help a celebrity. Alexis who is a retired NYPD detective and runs her own private detective agency agrees to go under cover and sort out the mess. Alexis goes undercover and gets far more than she bargained for.

Robin Leigh: What can you tell us about your current writing endeavor?

Dawn: I'm currently working on Cross Eyed: Part Two. I ended Part One with a cliffhanger which I plan to fully address. I will also be clearing up a lot of other issues which I'd vaguely touched on in part one.

Robin Leigh: Can you give us an excerpt from one of your favorite scenes in your latest novel?

Dawn:  We didn't even have to ring the bell because Mom had the screen door open and was waiting for us. I stepped right into one of her rib crushing hugs. Mom was the type of woman who didn’t let you go unless you hugged her back with equal force. She didn't like wimpy hugs.

Without looking I could feel Dad standing behind her. I was also aware of what Russell had been doing behind me: removing his hood, taking off his hat and his sunglasses. Both Russell and Dad locked eyes and stared at each other for a half a second before recognition dawned on Dominic DeLaRosa's face. I wish I'd had my cellphone out to take that photo. My Dad stunned speechless with his mouth hanging open like a Striped Bass.....

"Holy s**t! You're, you're... Lexi, why didn't you tell me you were seeing .....THE Russell Cross?" Dad asked incredulously.

"And have you called me nuts?" I asked.

Robin Leigh: How did you decide what the title of this book would be?  If this book is part of a series, then how many books will be in the series? 



Dawn: The name Cross Eyed is the name of the fictitious fan club in the story. I named it that because the star's name is Russell Cross.

I originally didn't intend for it to be a series, but I got so caught in the story and charactors some will say the "plot bunnies" went wild. I'm writing a second book which I'm hoping will be a full sized 50,000 word novel. In comparison Cross Eyed: Part One is considered a novella.

Robin Leigh: Would you consider yourself to be a plotter or a pantser?

Dawn: I consider myself to be a little of both. I plot endlessly, and I have set scenes that must happen. However, getting to that set scene is another story. For instance, I must have Lexi go to the carwash. Now, she can take an uneventful drive to the carwash or there can be a twenty mile car chase on the way to the carwash. I can never predict what will happen until I sit down to write. That's what I've so meticulously plotted turns into a monster.

Robin Leigh: What made you decide to become an author?

Dawn: I'd been writing for most of my life. I actually started writing as a result of my love for Star Trek. I wrote for fanzines (fan magazines) and published one of my own for about a year. I also wrote extensively for what are called written role playing games, within the Star Trek community.

I was really bitten by the writing bug when I was encouraged to join a writing community site named Writing Dot Com. There I learned how to create and keep my first blog. I was also introduced to and encouraged to enter and win NaNoWriMo.



Robin Leigh: What is NaNoWriMo?

Dawn: It stands for National November Write Month. It is an international writing event which happens every November. It's a race where writers participate by attempting to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. In order to meet this goal one must write a certain word goal every day (I believe it's approximately 3,000 words per day, but don't take it as gospel). To me this was a real challenge because at that time I was schlepping a laptop and would write furiously on my breaks, at home and everywhere I could. On Thanksgiving Day I didn't write a sentence as it would've been impolite because I was a guest for dinner at a friend’s home. I made up for it and won in 2011, though. That novel is currently sitting on the back burner waiting to be published.

Robin Leigh: In your latest novel, who’s your favorite character male/female? Tell us why.



Dawn: Of course all of my "Cross Eyed" characters are all my babies, because I created them. I like Russell the best because he is so laid back; you really don't who he is until you really get up close. Then it's like, "gasp"! I also like Alexis' stepdad, Dominic DeLaRosa. He is a force to be reckoned with.

Robin Leigh: Do you set aside a specific amount of time to write, write/answer emails, and market/promote your book[s]?



Dawn: I really haven't been on a specific schedule. I pretty much write when I have a few minutes here and there between my studies, work, chores, and sleep. Thank goodness for smartphones and tablets. Both allow me to do significant amounts of writing and web surfing on the go, instead of waiting to get home to write read emails the way I used to.



Robin Leigh: Do you read books outside the genre you write in? What are they?

Dawn: The titles are too numerous to name. I used to read a lot of well-known authors religiously; I'm talking waiting for their next book with baited breath. That meant long spaces in between as most authors can't crank out a book a month (like the pulp fiction days). But since I've become a member of the independent author community I've found so many excellent authors within that realm, I must confess, I haven't bought a mass published book in two years.

Oh yes, I read anything but horror, zombie, erotica.

Robin Leigh: What must you have around you when you write; food, drink, music, etc.?

Dawn: When I used to write at home I had to have my music, my water and my furry writing assistants (cats) at my feet.

Robin Leigh: When you were an aspiring author you needed advice. What advice would you give to those aspiring author in those shoes today?

Dawn: For an inspiring writer/author I suggest you should join a supportive writing community like Writing Dot Com; they’re like a Facebook for Writers, only it is closely regulated and monitored. You can join for free and you get a profile which includes a blog. You can post your writing and invite members to come by and critique and help you to improve. At WDC you are also free to critique and help others. There are also clubs, forums and contests you can enter to help hone your craft. Then there is the utter madness of NaNoWriMo. This is the perfect place to get your feet wet because everyone there shares the same goal.

I also advise anyone who wants to become an independent author, to familiarize yourself with the top social networking sites. Namely: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Good Reads. Why? Because these are going to be the avenues which you will use to publicize your book(s), touch base with other Writers and Authors and connect with your fans.

Robin Leigh: Is there anything else you’d like to briefly tell us about your book, your writing, or yourself.

Dawn: I'm so, so grateful to the Independent Authors community, I would've never made it without them. I'd wanted to publish a book for about twenty years but I was terrified of the query letter, manuscript, rejection process. I went through years ago with a fan fiction magazine. I'd sent said (long defunct) publisher my story and I received a rejection letter! I couldn't believe it! A rejection letter from a fanzine? I was devastated! It made me so angry that I decided to publish my own fanzine. I did that for a year until I went broke doing it. Back then I did not have the options we have in abundance today. I encourage you to get out there and use them.

GENERAL_INFORMATION

Where can we find your book?

Cross-Eyed: Part One is on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/l93f8jn 

Where can we find you on internet?

WEBSITE: http://www.dawnskyy.com      



BLOG: http://me4cats.blogspot.com  [My blog about my rescue cats named "Cats Gone] There are also several blogs on my website. Click "Skyys the Limit Blog" and mouse over the drop downs for the different categories.



FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/dawnskyy 



GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7451981.Dawn_Skyy
 

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/dawn_skyy 


TUMBLR: http://theknightsrealm.tumblr.com 

Thank you so much Robin Leigh for interviewing me!

AND THANKS Dawn for giving me your time in allowing me to interview you.

Reviewer, writer and blogger

Even though I am retired, my day is filled quickly since I became a Reviewer. When someone requests I review a book of their's, I usually agree provided they provide me with a copy in e-book form. Then I read it, afterwards I post my review on one of my blogs. If they don't provide pictures, I usually go to their site or Amazon to get a picture to include on my blog, a lot of extra work. Besides my blogs, I always post my review on Amazon as well. Sometimes I will post it on GoodReads, but there are a lot of extra steps I have to go through to do that. So a lot of the time I do not bother, doing so many reviews. The nice thing about reviewing, I read books I normally wouldn't. Since I try to post on my two main blogs, three times a week, I have been posting guest posts to fill in while I am reading. Blogging, social Media chatter and working with my editor takes up most of my time. I try to squeeze in a little writing, but with two books waiting on editing, I am in no hurry to finish the two I am working on. 

Talk back, I'm listening! You can always follow me at this blog site http://booksbyagmoye.blogspot.com or on my wordpress site at http://lightningbooksbyagmoye.wordpress.com

Monday, April 28, 2014

Guest Post- T.C.Slonaker by Madi Preda

                              T.C. Slonaker  Author of The Angelmen Series, interviewed by Madi Preda Authors PR


Tell us your latest news?
The second book of my Angelmen series, Asher of the Angelmen, was released last month! Because this one is my favorite of the first four, I am really hoping it does well.
 When and why did you begin writing?
I started out writing children’s picture books, but don’t look for them on the shelves. None made it to publication. When I was a teacher (about 15 years ago), I read books to my class that just seemed to be ridiculously simple ideas. I knew I could come up with something like that. I wrote 14 books and rotated them between as many publishers as I thought might give me a chance.
In my research, I realized that picture book publication is one of the hardest “genres” to break into. So I thought maybe I should start with “older” books and work my way down.
Opening my mind to possibilities, I realized I had to write what I liked. While I had been building distance in my running, I had been listening to the Chronicles of Narnia on my iPod. It fascinated me. I loved the idea of making up creatures such as a faun, which was half goat, half man. So I searched my brain for what I wanted to create. That task was not easy.
Another thing I liked about Chronicles of Narnia was how it was allegorically teaching about the Bible. As soon as I decided to make that my mission as well, I felt like God gave me my idea. I didn’t have to make up a new kind of creature, I just had to use a mystery God had already made for us. The fun of the Angelmen – or Nephilim as they are really known – began right there.
 When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I guess I was too nervous to admit that I was a writer until I received my first publishing contract. Everyone writes, right? The contract made it officially a profession.
  What inspired you to write your first book?
If we look at this book as part of a whole five-part story, I can tell you that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the inspiration. It was my desire to tell a more modern-day story about a sacrifice to make the idea become real to others.
 How did you come up with the title?
The name is, of course, from the main character. However, the word “Angelmen” is a word I came up with to set my work apart from anything written specifically for fans of Nephilim. I figured a majority of my readers would never have heard of Nephilim, but they might be interested in the idea of an angel-man crossbreed.
 Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The overall idea of the series is that the angelmen are not really humans, and therefore, they cannot enter heaven in the same way. Just as humans required a Sacrifice (given by Jesus), the angelmen need a sacrifice too, to attain their salvation. Their sacrifice will have to be a little different because there was never, and never will be another like Jesus. However, the story has to be comparable to Christ’s sacrifice, and it is meant to get the reader to really feel for Jesus in what He gave and why.
Asher, as with the other three prequels, helps to draw the reader into the life of one of the characters. After reading the first four books, the reader will likely have a favorite – someone they hope will not have to be the Sacrifice.
 What books have most influenced your life most?
Well, obviously, the Bible is my first inspiration. After that, I take my awe from other Christian writers. As I mentioned, C.S. Lewis was the first author whose work I wished to emulate. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote similar style books which I enjoyed. More current authors I have enjoyed are Tim LaHaye /Jerry B. Jenkins in their Left Behind series, and Frank Peretti.
  What book are you reading now?
I am actually in the midst of two books. I started reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. That’s a fascinating book. It’s amazing how much you can learn about God from the perspective of the demons.
I had to put aside Screwtape Letters because The Book Thief came in for me at the library. If you want to see imagery at its absolute finest, this is the book to read.
 Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 
I have lately enjoyed works by Richard Paul Evans.
  What are your current projects?
I already have 7 of the Angelmen books written. The 8th will be a prequel, if I can make it work. In that book, we will go back to the time that the Angelmen were created, seeing Asher, Amity, Malachi, and Caedmon’s true parents. I have some surprises in store relating to familial relationships between a few of them, as well as other characters we have seen throughout the later books. What I love about this book is that the main character is one of the fallen angels – one of the demons. How often do you get to root for a demon?
Outside of the Angelmen books, I have a few other novels begun. I loved writing Asher so much, that I am writing another book about an athlete. This time, it’s a baseball player. I also have another book about demons entering into the human world. I guess I just have a thing for good vs. bad!
 Do you see writing as a career?
Sure, and it’s the perfect career who doesn’t mind not getting a paycheck. Seriously, though, it requires dedication. I am blessed to be able to focus on writing along with a part time job at my church, and taking care of home and family.
 What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writing is the fun part. The next step is to go through the editing process. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph you wrote to your presumed perfection (I mean, the publisher accepted it, didn’t they?) goes under scrutiny. And you wind up having to change just about every sentence? Back to failure.
Then, once the book is out, you have to market it and get people to want to buy it. That has been the absolute hardest part because I am not a very good salesperson.
Everything after writing the book really is hard, but it is like metal going through the purifying process. You have to burn away the ugly dirt to get the beautiful product.
  Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I feel like I have had a 4-year degree-worthy education in proper use of the English language for novels from my editors. Beyond that, I can’t even begin to say how much I have learned about the publishing process. I am so glad I was accepted by a publisher and didn’t have to go through it alone.
 Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t give up on your queries to publishers and agents! They are professionals and can improve your work immensely.
 Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Each of the first four prequels tells a different story and has a different writing style. But each one is important to get to know each character. How they interact in the fifth book, and how you feel about it, will depend on how well you know them. You’ll love how it turns out. Make sure you have some tissues.
Do you remember the first book you read?
Yes! It was a Curious George ABC book. I remember it was exactly 76 pages (so there was more to it than just ABC’s). That was when I was 5 years old. In second grade, I had moved up to my first chapter book – Lassie Come Home. I wanted a collie in the worst way.
 Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I’m drawn to competition. I love to play softball and racquetball, ride my bike and run, and watch (American) football.
 What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I really don’t have a lot of time for TV these days, though I don’t miss my favorite sports if I can help it. I do watch a lot of movies, though. My favorites lately are the superhero-type and sci-fi movies. Really, though, I have so many favorite movies, it’s tough to choose.
 If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I was a teacher before I was a writer. There are many parts of that occupation that I still enjoy, but writing is my first love.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6883683.T_C_Slonaker

Talk back, We're Listening! Have a great day!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

What is wrong with me?

I didn't even feel like I should write this blog but I know others expect it, so I did. I can't understand why I am avoiding the computer right now. Do you feel that way? Where it is a chore to just turn it on? It started when my wife asked me to make her raised beds for her garden making me leave my familiar like cubical. After completing that task outside, I didn't want to return to the computer. I find reasons to avoid it I haven't written anything in the two books I'm working on. Very seldom blogged or joined in my usual social media sites and commented. I just can't seem to focus, I am reading two books for reviews but can't, I guess it is spring fever, after being cooped  up inside all winter. This was a particularly bad winter and long. Do you feel this way, that when it is warm, you want to stay outdoors? Talk back, I'm Listening. 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Review of In the Days by Andy Peloquin

 My review of Andy Peloquin's book "In the Days" subtitled "Tale of a forgotten Continent" a story of the missing continent of Atlantis told through the eyes of one of its prominent citizens, Deucalion and others. I found the story very easy to hold my interest as Andy painted scenes of life in Atlantis with how life was lived back in very difficult times. I was soon caught up with Deucalion's life in the court and away from the court of the empress. The dangers faced in living during those turbulent times. A reluctant warrior, yet a warrior nevertheless, Deucalion was the Empress's Chancellor and Historian of the great world of Atlantic.
One point that stood out to me was Andy's belief in god in a pagan world, he used this as the reason Atlantis was destroyed. An excerpt of his writing for you to taste.
 

The heat mounted as the long minutes passed.
"Historian, I didn't believe you would attend this evening." The voice of the empress was
imperious as she entered the box behind me.
"The Immortal Empress commanded my presence, so here I sit in acquiescence to Imperial demand."
"You are nothing if not a model citizen, Historian. If only all of my vassals were as obedient as
you."
"Do I detect a slight mocking in my empress' words?"
"The Immortal Empress, mocking her loyal Chancellor and favorite model citizen? Never! The empress
does not mock."
Her face struggled to hide a grin that threatening to break out.


 The main Characters- Deucalion, Chancellor, historian and fighter dwells in the Atlantis social world and does his best to protect the Empress along with advising her in the ruling of the country. The close relationship leads him unwittingly to fall in love with her.
Empress Tatho, the young ruler of Atlantis that finds love with Deucalion when her world is destroyed regardless of her efforts to save the country.

Another excerpt-

Gods, how I hate horses.The bastards and I never get along.They seemed out to make my life an endless misery, and I simply cannot abide their glassy eyes, their long
faces, and the seemingly eternal stream of manure they drop as they plod along.
And their movement, oh the pain! Even now, after just minutes of riding, I felt aches, blisters,
sores, and raw skin in places I didn't even know I had. My horse seemed determined to be last in the column, no matter how hard I kicked at its flanks. It refused to move faster, though I cursed at it in three languages.
"You look absolutely miserable, Deucalion." Phoris' smile far too pleasant for my taste as he
rode past. My rejoinder was as foul as the smell wafting from beneath the horse's tail. Phoris' grin turned to genuine laughter.
I had been awoken well before dawn at the urgent insistence of the empress. I was tired, and no doubt
looked the part. Seeing Phoris' face, which looked like a freshly-scrubbed potato, and the alert faces of the other Nightstalkers just made things worse.
"Keep up, Commander." Traga was only slightly less uncomfortable on a horse than I
was. He, like a good soldier, took every chance to lord it over me.

You will find yourself engrossed in the story and feel the pain of a lives destroyed forever in this story where only the true believers survive. Pick up your copy at Amazon at this link.

http://www.amazon.com/Days-Tale-Forgotten-Continent-ebook/dp/B00J8U5JZO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398094202&sr=1-1&keywords=in+the+days 

An Adventure back in time- Talk back, I'm listening! 

Friday, April 18, 2014

Nonnie Jules-guest post

Welcome to the second day of my 15 day “HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  ARE YOU WATCHING NONNIE WRITE?” Blog Tour and I’m here with the very supportive, A. G. Moye who was kind enough to take time out to share this beautiful space with me.
This month marks the one year anniversary of my burst onto the social media scene and during that time, I have published three REALLY GOOD books, and have learned so very much about the industry.  Although I’ve been a writer for most of my life (actually, I was born one), I only just became a published author in 2013.  Some might say “In that short amount of time, what does she know?” Well, I’m here to tell you that “SHE” has learned a lot!  “SHE” has taken the time to hone her skills in the writing department as well as her knowledge.  “SHE” has taken the bull by the horn and run full speed ahead in building her author platform and establishing herself in the writing industry.  “SHE” is making her name KNOWN.
On each stop of my tour, I share with you tips on writing, publishing and support, all topics equally important to the writing industry.  I hope that what I am imparting, you will take, mull over, and then act on in the best interest of YOU.
With that being said here is…
ALIGNING YOURSELF WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
When you became an Author, did you imagine that you would have everything in common with all the other folks who wore the title? Did you think it would be easy simply because you were in the company (virtually, so to speak) of other writers?
When I became a published author, I initially met more resistance than offers to connect with certain individuals in the publishing world.  A few of them were clearly ONLY out for their own best interests, and didn’t wish to focus on furthering any career other than their own.  Then I met a friend and as we connected, we not only felt that we were walking the same road, challenges and successes equally, it became apparent to us that we were headed in the same direction.  She and I today call each other “SUCCESS PARTNERS.”  We email each other daily our top 5 things that we need to get done that day and we encourage each other to stay the path of our planned goals.
It was clear early on that and my friend and I were of like-mind.  We are two moms, both published authors, who battle daily the challenges of getting our books marketed and sold.  I understand her highs and lows and she understands mine.
I’ve since formed an organization where I am surrounded by like-minded people.  I will offer that the Governing Board, which I personally hand-picked to serve, is truly a family of like-minds.  It’s eerie sometimes to share our thoughts with one another only to find that there are others who share the same thoughts and have the same goals.
We have a membership now of over 300 individuals and I would like to think that they are also of like-mind.  The premiere basis of this organization {RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB} is that of true support, and in processing many of the membership applications which flow through, there is a common theme in the statements of potential members.  “I would like to support as well as be supported,”  is the one statement that makes us know this individual will do well as part of our family, where TEAM is defined as TOGETHER EACH ACHIEVES MORE.
It is very important to align yourself with people who share your ideals on success and support, you know…the ones who are going to lift you up and not try to tear you down.  The ones that you’re able to call on, lean on and garner support from;  those are the kinds of individuals to surround yourself with.
I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a heart-felt invitation to all of you to join us at RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.  AS SOON AS you walk thru the door (i.e., see your name on the roster) you will feel this overwhelming sense of “HOME!” Here you will be supported…PROFILED, PROMOTED & PROPELLED to the highest of heights.  Here you will be in the company of truly like-minds.  We all share a common goal here, and that is to succeed and to help others do the same.
I’m sitting here now waiting to process that application of yours which I know you will be sending thru shortly.  JOIN OUR LIKE-MINDS today! 
Thanks so much for having me A.G. and many thanks to your wonderful readers!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:                                                                     
 NONNIE Jules grew up loving books and everything about them.  She has traveled the world, jumped out of planes and climbed many mountains, all thanks to the wonderful world of literature.  She lives with her husband and two daughters on a very quiet strip of land in Louisiana, where red dirt roads and pick-up trucks go hand in hand.  She is the Author of three great reads at present:  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love!; "Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" (a novel);  and "SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!"  Nonnie is also Founder and President of the widely-known Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as being a sought-after book reviewer with a strong "eye" for perfection. 

She continues to write from many different genres and hopes to teach and touch minds and hearts alike with her very unique style of writing.  She loves positive feedback on her writing and personally responds to each and every email.  Nonnie can be reached at nonniejules@gmail.com, on Twitter @nonniejules, and do follow her blogs WATCH NONNIE WRITE! {nonniewrites.wordpress.com}  and ASK THE GOOD MOMMY {askthegoodmommy.wordpress.com}. 

Nonnie's feet are firmly planted in her two most important platforms:  Parenting & Support, where she continually invites the masses to join her.


BUY LINKS:
"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love! - amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56;  createspace.com/4355124

"Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" - amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM;  createspace.com/4386308

"SUGARCOATIN' IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN' IS FOR KIDS!" - amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA0I4



 

Please check out Nonnie's books.  They're really very good reads. Have great day and Talk back, I'm listening!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Part two of my interview on Arkansas Authors

This is part two of our interview with A G Moye. You can read part one here.

Describe  your writing space. What do you like? What would you change?
My computer sits facing a window allowing me to look out when I need to let my mind wander to recall what a scene is in my head and get it right. My wife might relocate me but it is not my choice, I like it where it is.
workarea

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?
Robert Heinlein, F.M. Busby, Arthur C. Clarke, L. Ron Hubbard, Isaac Asimov and Jean Auel come to mind. I don’t think I copy any of their styles but they could have some influence on my writing.

What is the best advice you could give an aspiring author?
Write what you feel and before you publish that first book make sure you have a good editor to go through it before publishing. Do not depend on a publisher’s in house editing to get it right. Afterwards, get it published don’t hold back thinking you will do it tomorrow because it may never come.


What is the best advice you’ve received from other authors or anyone else?
Write in the style you are most comfortable in. Don’t try to copy another author’s style because it won’t work for you. Also edited before publishing.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.
Life is full of twists and turns, taking shortcuts is usually the longest path-A.G.Moye

Thinking outside the box, if you could do/be/accomplish anything in the world, what would it be?
Writing a best seller that becomes a classic in years to come. Secondly, to see one of my books made into a movie.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Tie-Robert Heinlein, he tells a good story and the way it flows is just great drawing you in and basically having a happy ending of sorts.
Jean Auel, her books are so descriptive that you feel you are right along side the characters in her Mother Earth series. I just hope I can draw my readers in as well as she does.

What book are you reading now?
Just finished “Troubles” by Ian Miller and did a review on it.

What is your favorite book by another author?
Tunnel in the sky by Robert Heinlien

What books have most influenced your life (other than the Bible if that is your first thought)?
That is a hard question to answer, I read a lot and couldn’t begin to list them. When I am not writing my own stories, I am usually reading.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Vic Boquard, Ian Miller and Wendy Owens

What author support groups/activities do you participate in?
GoodReads, LinkedIn, Author’s Den, LiteraryThing, Cultural Club, Shelfari, Rebel Mouse, and M.A.R.Social. With my own group on Marsocial called “Lightning Chronicles”

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Marsocial members have supported more than any other group.  Arkansas Authors have increased their support of me along with Rebel Mouse.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
My books are for entertainment purposes mainly but most can gleam a little about life from each book. Even the violent ones like my Lightning In the Tunnel Series has a message about life. Overcoming what knocks you down.


Sasha




Read more about A. G.’s book, Sasha a beam of light
Tomorrow in our Book Spotlight
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A G Moye
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- See more at: http://arkansasauthors.com/author-interview-g-moye-2/#sthash.46AQJ22u.dpuf

Monday, April 14, 2014

author interview of A.G. Moye reposted

Featured Author Interview
I would like to thank A. G, for doing this interview. If you have any questions for him please leave a comment below.

Where were you born? If not from Arkansas, what brought you here?
I was born in Arkansas and lived here until age fifteen. Lived thirty-three years in Los Angeles before moving to North Carolina for seven years came back home to Arkansas just before retiring.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?
I wrote off and on with pen and paper for years before becoming serious about it. Purchased a computer in 1987, that was when I really started writing as a stress reliever.
I go for walks daily and used to make up songs but never wrote them down. One day I started thinking about writing a book I had in my head. Being in California during the riots, I wondered how people would react if a real disaster hit LA and turned it upside down. That was what inspired me to start writing my Lightning in the Tunnel series.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When my wife prodded me to try and publish some of my work after reading some of my stories. She pushed and in 2010 I started publishing. I still didn’t consider myself a writer until after my fifth book was published and everyone that read it, thought it was great. “Terror Reigns” was the book.


Do you see writing as a career?
It has become a second career for me after I retired from active daily grind. I am loving it, stories keep popping in my head and I write them.

What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was actually a series brought on by my desire to foresee what would happen if a nuclear bomb hit the crazy city of Los Angeles. It has since been removed from the market due to too much explicit sex scenes in it. It has been rewritten under another title.


Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
When my wife prodded me to publish, I had no idea about how to go about it. New to the internet, I saw an add to publish my book. I tried contacting agents and other publishers but since I didn’t know how to go about it. I decided to go with Xliberis and pay to have it publish.  My book was so long, they said it had to be broken up for them to publish it. Now I had three books in the series written so it became six. I couldn’t afford to pay for all six to be published. When my first book arrived, I was so proud but then when I sold them to friends and family. All they would talk about was the sex scenes. I don’t think any of them recalled what the story was about. (Hence the removal from publication) I then submitted my second book to PublishAmerica. They accepted it and I thought they were a traditional publisher but learned the hard way. PublishAmerica then published my next five books of the series. That was when I found out the truth of them.  In the meantime, I had joined several groups on LinkedIn and from them l learned all about publication of a book.  

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
So far I have sixteen books published with two more at the editors. I am currently working on two more that I plan to finish this year and publish.
My favorite is a tie between Terror Reigns and Chronicles of the Marauder.

Talk about your most recent book.
Sasha: A beam of Light is my most recent published book. A story about Sasha, cast out of her body and banished from her home world by Sorceress as punishment for her role in an attempt by her boyfriend to kill the Emperor.  Her spirit finds itself in a tiny sailboat piloted by a little green devil looking creature, (We`nuk). He tells her he is her guide for eternity. Sasha soon learns she can assume the body of any freshly killed creature and repair the damage bringing it back to life. So, Sasha whenever the tiny sail craft passes planet that has life forms on it, she takes their place and lives several different lives including a giant spider, a vampire, a medieval Knight and a witch.

How did you come up with the title?
The title popped in my head followed by the story or stories once the basic concept started to unfold.


How is this title published? (Self-Published or through a publisher)
Self-Published

What drove your decision to publish this way?
I am of the age where I don’t want to wait two or three years for a book to be published having so many rolling around in my head. Right now, there is another book nagging at me but I don’t know what it is or about yet. It just hangs there.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
That there is good and bad in everyone, they must make the right choices and not allow anyone to influence them into taking the wrong path as Sasha does when she becomes the Medieval Knight, Karwin.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
No, it in not based upon anyone I know or life experiences except the part of letting someone else influence you down the wrong bath like many bigots in the world do.
 
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Showing how Sasha allowed the Karwin part of her body to take over doing things she herself would never do and treat women the way Karwin did.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
That is hard to show conflict within a mind over control of the actions and thoughts of the mind.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not really, I would add more adventures maybe but wanted to keep it a novella instead of a full blown novel like I normally write.


Do you have a new book coming out soon? (within the next year- exact date if you have it)
Lightning Rages should be published some time in July, 2014 (In editing right now). Followed by Jody’s Dilemma in September, October time frame. 

What is your favorite social media outlet for marketing/promotions?
Twitter, GoodReads and my two blogs.

Read part two of our interview with A. G. Moye tomorrow.

Sasha





Read more about A. G.’s book, Sasha a beam of light
Wednesday in our Book Spotlight
And Purchase through












A G Moye





And Connect With A G  On:
Tumblr  | YouTube  |  Website | Blog | Marscocial | Amazon
- See more at: http://arkansasauthors.com/author-interview-g-moye/#sthash.AznRa9Xt.dpuf