• Home
  • Archive by category 'Author Interviews'
  • Page 2

Archive for ‘Author Interviews’

7 Quick Fire Questions, 3 Tips | Laura Barcella, author of Madonna & Me

 

Today is the release of Madonna & Me: an anthology of essays conceived and edited by Laura Barcella, a Madonna devotee since the age of six! The anthology is written by nearly 40 female authors including Cintra Wilson, Gloria Feldt, Caroline Leavitt, Bee Lavender, Wendy Shanker, and Susan Shapiro about the Queen of Pop- Madonna – and how she has changed their lives. 

 

“Why?” You might ask. Here’s Laura’s answer taken from the Madonna and Me website:

 

“Because, for children of the ’80s and ‘90s, Madonna’s been nothing less than a constant companion. Maturing in the media spotlight for nearly 30 (!) years, Madonna has truly grown up with us (not to mention that she’s sold more than 200 million records worldwide). Brazen, beautiful, and balls-to-the-wall, Madonna is so much more than just the sultry architect of a few hit songs. For the MTV generation and beyond, Madonna is a living example of having it all. She’s been so much more than a media darling or a “boy-toy” tartlet, even in her later incarnations as savvy businesswoman and kooky Kabbalah matriarch. Madonna has inspired us and challenged us, pushing us to be bolder, edgier versions of ourselves.”

Laura is here today answering our popular series, 7 Quick Fire Questions, 3 Tips. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Madonna in the comments!

 

 7 Questions

 1. Favorite Madonna hairstyle?

I’m a fan of her classic mid-’80s rag-in-the-hair days. When I was a kid, I’d occasionally wear a black lace rag in my hair in her honor. I like everything about her look in this photo:

 

The huge black bow-thing! The dark eye makeup! The chunky jewelry! The slightly challenging, come-hither expression partially obscured by the wine glass! The cigarette (I know, I know — smoking kills, but sometimes it also looks insanely glamorous). I’d wear that whole look now.

2. Favorite Madonna outfit ever? 

One of my favorite Madonna outfits was when she wore that “Healthy” midriff t-shirt, with her hair all messy and askew, wearing a rosary as a necklace. Pic here:

Image courtesy of 80smuseum.com

3. Favorite Madonna song?

“Causing a Commotion” (an under-appreciated single from the “Who’s That Girl?” soundtrack).

4. Fave guy Madonna has dated?

Um, to be honest, I haven’t been a huge fan of any of the men she’s dated. They’re just not my type, really. Sean Penn is a talented actor with an interesting face, but he lost any and all of my support when he (allegedly) beat her up. I guess Guy Ritchie would be my favorite if I absolutely had to pick, but I thought some of his alleged post-divorce comments about her were mean-spirited and unnecessary.

5. Favorite Madonna album?

Either her debut album (“Madonna”) or “Like a Virgin.” I love her early sound best– upbeat and fun, but not overpackaged, overproduced, or overdone. It was danceable, but in a more mellow, lo-fi way. I’m obsessed with some of the songs on those two albums that were never turned into singles — the sleepers that some people may have forgotten about, like “Think of Me,” “I Know It,” “Shoo-Bee-Doo,” and “Physical Attraction.”

6. Favorite Madonna movie?

“Desperately Seeking Susan,” but of course. It’s such a fun, silly caper and, to me, she was at her absolute pinnacle of personal style and all-around awesomeness then.

7. Favorite Madonna “moment”?

One favorite was when she was being interviewed by Dick Clark on “American Bandstand” in 1984. He asked her “What are your dreams?” and she replied, “To rule the world,” with this kind-of coy, shit-eating smile. So classic and SO Madonna.

 

3 Expert Tips: How to put together an anthology.

1. Devise a super-solid idea that hasn’t been done before — research extensively to make sure there’s nothing too similar already on the market. If there is, find a way to differentiate your idea from what’s already out there.

2. Put out a call for submissions on every corner of the Internet. Also be sure to sift through all your contacts to find writers who could either contribute or help spread the word about the book. Don’t be afraid to approach bigger-name writers you don’t know personally. You never know who will respond with excitement.

3. When sorting through your submissions, try your best to find a lot of disparate ideas from a diverse range of perspectives. No one wants to read the same exact essay over and over again, so do your best to avoid redundancy.

 

Thanks Laura! Don’t forget that Madonna & Me is available today!

Readers, it’s your turn! What do you love, or hate, about Madonna?

 

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

March 13, 2012   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, main   1 Comment comments

7 Quick Fire Questions, 3 Expert Tips with Jennifer Gooch Hummer

After reading this article I’m sure you’ll agree with me: Jennifer Gooch Hummer seems to have it all. She’s funny, smart, beautiful AND she can write a damn fine book. I am *DELIGHTED* to bring you her 7 quick-fire questions, and 3 expert tips – and for all you YA writers out there I think you’ll find them useful.

True story: I nearly spat out a mouthful of water and destroyed my computer while reading Jennifer’s answer to number 3. Funny stuff!

 

Here’s a little more about Jennifer’s young adult debut, Girl Unmoored, which will be published on March 6th:

This sharp, quick-witted novel follows Apron, a young woman who has come unmoored by a sea of family drama and break-ups. But when she meets Mike, she’s met her mooring. Although Mike and his cantankerous boyfriend, Chad, don’t know what to do with her at first—Apron just seems to keep showing up, usually with a fat lip—they eventually offer her a job in their flower store. And then it’s smooth sailing for Apron, until she uncovers Chad’s secret. Suddenly Apron is forced to leave behind the safe harbor of childhood and navigate the stormy seas of a young adult. She knows what her real job is now, and it has nothing to do with flowers.

 

7 Quick Fire Questions



1. High heels or flats?

High heels. Every minute of every day. I have arches shaped like The Duomo, so I can’t wear flats for long periods of time. I even have high heel flip-flops. Wish I could wear those Tory Burch flats though.


2. Best movie of 2011?

“Beginners.” Such a quirky, clever film. Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor are both compelling and vibrant. The graphic art projects/scenes are just about the best thing ever.


3. Your writing inspiration?

When I was seven, I was brushing my teeth one day, trying not to notice my freckles, when suddenly the girl in mirror started talking. “Guess what? You’re going to be a writer.” This was not good news. Writers were not famous, not pretty, and they were old. I spit out my toothpaste. “Nope,” I said. But the girl in the mirror smirked. “And it’s not going to happen until you’re like, forty.” I was crestfallen. I had much bigger plans, like becoming a professional Avon Lady. I told that little girl she was wrong, but by fourth grade, I knew she was right. She’s been my inspiration ever since.


4. Your idea of a perfect meal?

First you have to fly to France. Then you have to buy a warm baguette, the softest, stinkiest cheese you can find, and a bottle of red wine. Oh, and a wine opener.


5. Morning Bird or Night Owl?

I’m up at 4:55 am to swim on an adult (Masters) swim team. At 7 am, still soaking wet, I sprint to the car to call my youngest daughter. I pay her two dollars a day to wake her teenage sisters up before I get home. It’s a dangerous job, but someone’s gotta’ do it. Trumpets have been employed. I didn’t tell my husband about this for a long time (he travels often and if he’s home he leaves even earlier than I do to go cycling). But someone squealed on us, so now he rolls his eyes at me. “Two dollars? What ever happened to the quarter?” But hey, I say, money talks.



6. Place you most want to travel?

Norway. My grandmother, Tigger, who had red hair and bounced a lot, was Norwegian. My dad has one of the more bizarre family histories on the planet and someday I’m going to get to the bottom of it, and then write about it.



7. If you won $100 today, what would you spend it on?

A stack of two-dollar bills. I hoard two-dollar bills. I’m pretty sure they’ll stop printing them someday, and then they’ll be worth, like, three dollars. I’ll be rich. In the meantime, they’re perfect for leaving tips. And then there’s that two dollars I have to pay my daughter every morning…




Expert Tips 

 “3 Tips on Writing a Younger Character”

1. Listen.

Writers will always tell you to read as much as you can. And it’s true. But just as important, I think, is to listen. Real dialogue (inner and outer) is not spoken the way we tend to write it. It’s staccato, incorrect, and really quite a mess. Stepping back and really listening to what kids and teens are saying, is paramount for creating a younger character.

2. Ask questions.

My children have started to warn their friends about me. “Okay. My mom can pick us up, but she’s going to ask you, like, a million questions on the way home. Sorry.” And I do. The first line of questioning will go something like this: What do your parents do? What do you like to do in school? Where’d you get those shoes? Yes, I’m relentless, but I’m also gathering information for my craft. A YA author’s job is to interrogate, I mean interview, younger generations. Otherwise how can we know the minds of our protagonists? This is my argument when my children start to balk. Well, this and; if you don’t want to hoof it all the way home, you better start talking. The latter usually works a little better.

3. Think like a dog.

My dog stares at me all day. And when she’s not staring, she’s following. Closely. Six inches away closely. It can be dangerous when carrying a load of laundry up and down stairs. Of course I have no idea what she is thinking, but I imagine there’s something going on in there, so I try to see the world through her eyes. And it’s usually a little scary. Being twelve inches tall means that everything she sees is either gigantic or threatening. I think this is the same vantage point for most kids. Growing up is scary, and to create a convincing character, it’s important to incorporate a little of that fear. It doesn’t have to be a conscious over-the-top vampire-ish fear, it can come out as sarcasm, or sadness, or over-confidence. But for me, a believable and enchanting younger character has to have at least a little apprehension about becoming an adult. Thinking like a dog reminds me to see the world from a different vantage point. I should have chosen a taller dog, now that I think about it.

 

Jennifer Gooch Hummer has worked as a script analyst for various talent agencies and major film studios. Her short stories have been published in Miranda Magazine, Our Stories, Glimmertrain and Fish. She has continued graduate studies in the Writer’s Program at UCLA, where she was awarded the Kirkwood Prize in fiction. Currently, Jennifer lives in Southern California and Maine with her husband and their three daughters.

Find out more about Jennifer!

Author Website: www.jennifergoochhummer.com

Like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Gooch-Hummer/203334603053756

Find her book on Amazon


*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

March 2, 2012   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, main   1 Comment comments

7 Questions & 3 Expert Tips with Crime Author, Toby Neal. Giveaway! Blood Orchids

I’m very excited to introduce you to today’s author. Born and raised on the island of Hawaii, Toby Neal uses her native knowledge and first-hand experience as a psychotherapist to create realistic settings and experiences, complex characters and an all around chilling crime thriller. To get to know her a little more, I asked her 7 quick fire questions as well as 3 tips on how to write a gripping crime novel.

Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of her first book, Blood Orchids! (see synopsis below)

It’s winners choice: digital or paperback, but please be away that paperback is limited to US winners only.

 

 

 7 Quick Fire Questions

 



1. Dream job/ career when you were a child?

Actress. Television newscaster.


2. Favorite TV show?

Currently? Person of Interest. I love the premise, that Big Brother knows something but it’s up to citizens to help each other. And, it’s a bit dark and gritty which I like.


3. Favorite dish/ cuisine?
I love Italian food! That culture knows La Dolce Vita and could teach us all about quality of life.


4. Beach or mountains?

Both. I live on the side of Haleakala on Maui and love them equally.


5. Proudest moment?

Graduating with my Master’s in Social Work at age 40 and doing valedictorian speech.


6. Pet peeve?

Judgmental people.


7. 3 everyday items you couldn’t live without.

My glasses/contacts (blind as a bat!).
Mascara.
A computer with internet.



 

3 Expert Tips

 



Blood Orchids is a story of “murder and secrets.” For our Ladies Who Critique members who write crime and mystery, what are your tips for writing realistic, gripping stories in this genre?



1. Get interested in a certain kind of crime and research it—that’s where my plots begin. Let it percolate into your brain, read about the kinds of criminals that do these things. In Orchids it’s a serial rapist, in the sequel Torch Ginger it’s disappearing homeless people, in the third one Black Jasmine it’s identity thieves. I collect articles and really get to know the crime and how it’s handled and what kind of perp does it.

2. Develop character bios on each of your main characters. Because I’m a therapist, I write mine like a psychological report.



3. Outline. Hard experience has taught me that mysteries, with their layers of plot, have to be planned.

Good luck, and happy writing!
 

 

Blood Orchids follows police woman Lei Texeira, whose life starts to unravel after discovering a gruesome murder scene on the shores of beautiful Hawaii. A scene that also begins to expose Texeira’s dark buried past. After an impulsive mistake she is sent to mandatory counseling to help deal with the escalating violence and how it triggers her. Meanwhile she gains the attention of a killer, and the lead detective on the case, Michael Stevens. Even deeper conspiracies develop the story, originating with her father, a convicted drug dealer. Haunted by a persistent stalker, the shadow of her past looms over the growing relationship with Stevens, Texeira, with the help of her loyal Rottweiler, battles the monsters of her past and present, reaching out toward a loving future.

For information about Toby Neal and Blood Orchids, visit Toby’s website.

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toby.w.neal

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/tobywneal

 

*Don’t forget to leave a comment below to be in with a chance of winning Toby’s book!*

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

February 13, 2012   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, main, Writing Skills   7 Comments comments

7 quick-fire questions, 3 Expert Tips with Kim Arbor, author of His Wife & Daughters.

Kim Arbor is a San Francisco writer with an MFA and a serious addiction to gummy bears. When she’s not busy writing you’ll find her haunting the coffee houses of North Beach, exploring the city’s stairway streets and chasing cable cars that climb halfway to the stars.

We asked Kim, author of ‘His Wife and Daughters’, for her 7 Quick Fire Questions & 3 Expert Tips. Find out more about the book, which is available now, below!

7 quick-fire questions

 

1. Red wine or white wine? A big yes to BOTH, and rosé as well. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese, you name it! My character Jill in His Wife and Daughters is a big foodie/wine gal and so am I.

2. Dogs or Cats? Again, both. But I’m a bit partial to cats since I’ve been living with one for about five years. Every night she rounds up my husband and I and puts us to bed.

3. Favorite month of the year? May. It’s my birthday month (yay Geminis!) and the weather in the San Francisco Bay Area is usually good at that time.

(more…)

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

January 11, 2012   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, main   No Comments comments

7 Quick-fire Questions & 3 Tips: How to Make Readers Laugh Out Loud, with Kathy Lynn Harris

The fabulous Kathy Lynn Harris, author of Blue Straggler is stopping by today on her blog tour to answer 7 quick-fire questions, & share her top 3 tips on how to write the funny stuff. And she should know, her book Blue Straggler is HILARIOUS!! (& only $2.99).

Take it away Kathy!

 

Blue Stragger by Kathy Lynn Harris

 

7 Quick-Fire Questions

 

1. Red wine or white wine? Depends. White if I’m eating Cheetos. Red with Fritos.

2. Dogs or Cats? Dogs. Cats hold grudges.

3. Favorite month of the year? July in the mountains; March back home in Texas.

4. Contemporary author you’d most like to have dinner with?  Barbara Kingsolver.

5. What is the last film you saw? Crazy, Stupid, Love

6. Top New Year’s Resolution for 2012? Train my two untrainable Golden Retrievers not to gang up on my son in order to steal whatever food he’s eating.

7. What’s your dream vacation? Can I do a combo? Italy and Greece, please.

  (more…)

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

January 3, 2012   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, main   5 Comments comments

Just How Glamorous is Being a TV Anchor or Reporter? A Guest Post by Lauren Clark of Stay Tuned

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Stay Tuned eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 2nd, so you don’t miss out.

 

To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of Stay Tuned for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (You’ll need it for the big contest on Friday)

2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes

3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!

 

…And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.

 

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Radio Interview with Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We interviewed Lauren on our radio show Sunday night and have embedded the full podcast and blogged about its highlights. Give it a listen and then leave a comment on the blog post. This is a great chance to get to know more about this fun and bubbly author. One commenter will win an autographed copy of Stay Tuned. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. The winners will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet:  Take a break from the holiday frenzy, and read Stay Tuned. It’s fast, fun, and reduced to just 99 cents! http://ow.ly/7zA1e #whirlwind

Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. Two chances to win with just one click! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Are you ready for some more fun? Take a picture of yourself with your copy of Stay Tuned either in paperback or on an eReading device, tag Lauren Clark’s Facebook page, and you can enter to win one of three Amazon gift cards! A $100 prize will go to the most creative photo, $50 to the best BFF photo, and $50 to the photo with the most people in it. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. If you need help learning how to tag a photo, you can visit Lauren’s Facebook page for detailed instructions.

 

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Stay Tuned: What happens when a #1 news team becomes the top story instead of reporting it? For TV producer Melissa Moore, crisis management comes with the job. From employee disputes to her high-maintenance boss, there’s not much she hasn’t seen or can’t handle. But no one—including Melissa—expects a fistfight during the ten o’clock news. When sexy-but-crazy Alyssa Andrews lands a punch on her co-anchor’s face, Melissa jumps on set to help. She’s determined that WSGA’s reputation won’t be destroyed on her watch. Both anchors are fired and Melissa agrees to fill in—but not before polishing her look from haircut to heels. While the new Melissa wows WSGA viewers, her personal life starts fraying at the edges. Melissa’s husband is away more than he’s home, leaving cryptic Post-it notes in his wake. Her mother’s antics spiral out of control at the nursing home and a stalker decides Melissa is her next target. What happens next? Stay Tuned to find out… Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

 

Now please enjoy this guest post from the author….

 

Nine Myths and a Truth: The Real Story Behind the Scenes at a Local Television Station**

10. Reporters are paid tons of money!  FALSE—Reporters at small television stations are paid a little more than minimum wage. They are required to have a college degree and many just-out-of-school jobs are classified as a “One Man Band, ” which means that the reporter carries the camera, shoots the footage, does the interviews, then writes and edits the story.

9. Reporters get to meet famous people! SOMETIMES—I was fortunate enough to meet Vice Presidential Candidate Geraldine Ferraro and many local senators and congress members. However, I did interview Eliott Spitzer while he was New York State’s attorney general. Now that’s just creepy!

8. Reporters and anchors get lots of perks! SOMETIMES—Reporters do often get sideline tickets and backstage passes to events. However, it’s often a reporter attends only AFTER her or she covers the actual event, which means working for at least the first part of the concert, fundraiser, or dinner.

7. It’s always glamorous! NOT REALLY—Often, reporting took me to crime scenes, car crashes, bad neighborhoods, dairy farms, voting polls, and raging fires. My most unique assignments included reporting on a lost Emu and covering cattle judging at a local fair. In Alabama—try to stay cool and look pretty in 105-degree heat! In Upstate New York, this meant trudging through the deep snow to get a story.

6. If you’re an anchor, people do your makeup and choose your clothes! FALSE—In smaller markets, you do your own makeup (MAC is the best!) and bring your own clothes. Sometimes, the television station might give you a small clothing allowance, but a few hundred dollars doesn’t go far when you work 5 days a week.

5. Viewers call in and tell anchors how wonderful they are! SOMETIMES—I admit, I did get some fan mail and it was pretty fabulous. However, most often, people called in to complain about (1) an outfit someone was wearing (which a viewer didn’t like it), (2) a story reported on (which a viewer didn’t like it), or (3) a story that didn’t get coverage. There was one particular viewer who didn’t like the way I said “Iraq.”  (It’s not Eye-rack. It’s Ir-aq)

4. The hardest part of the job is interviewing people!  FALSE—I loved that part! I thought it was so amazing to talk to people from all walks of life and find out why they were a farmer, a policeman, or a teacher. I liked asking questions that made people think. Some of the most rewarding stories were health-related (recovery from an illness) or the features about children. The hardest part for me was the shift I worked:  2 am – 10 am. (This meant getting up at 1:15 am every morning!!)

3. You always have to dress up! FALSE—On the weekends, in smaller markets, it’s pretty common for anchors and reporters to wear a formal suit or top, but have jeans underneath and casual shoes (hidden under the desk).  I’ve known some sports guys to wear tennis shoes or flip-flops on set!

2. The camera adds ten pounds! FALSE—It’s actually more like fifteen or twenty! People often commented on how short I was or how much thinner I was in person. (Sigh!)

1. I’ve heard that anchors use Preparation H under their eyes to reduce puffiness!? TRUE—I’ve done it, anyway. When you’re working 2 am – 10 am, there’s only so much coffee and sugar can do!

Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to work as an anchor, producer, and reporter at two CBS affiliates. I made some wonderful friends, worked with many talented people, and really enjoyed the experience.

**These comments are solely the views of the author and do not represent the actual experiences of every anchor or reporter who currently works in or has previously worked in television news.

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

November 30, 2011   Category: Author Interviews, Giveaways & Contests, Guest Posts, main   3 Comments comments

7 Questions. 3 Tips | The Spectacular Jen Daiker, of Unedited

In case you’ve not had the pleasure of meeting her, Jen Daiker is the supreme blogging master over at Unedited.

From her bio: “People call me crazy, but I call myself a writer.” What do you say about that, fellow lovely writers?!

Next year, she will release a collection of short stories titled Snowbound Hearts, Valentine Delights, Spellbound Hearts, Anthologies – coming early 2012 from Still Moments Publishing. I for one cannot wait. I tracked her down, in between writing a gazillion words a day, blogging frantically and consuming a cocktail or three, for her 7 quick fire questions and 3 tips (a new feature on the LWC blog). Enjoy!

1. City or Countryside? Countryside

2. Pumpkin or Pie? Can I choose, Pumpkin Pie?

3. Favorite day of the week? Tuesday

4. Combination of men to create your dream man? Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds (Oh, my husband too) 
 
5. If I gave you a superpower, what would it be? To apparate (JK Rowling is the bomb)

6. Would You Rather… Give up your computer or your car? Computer

7. Somewhere you would rather be right now? Jamaica

3 Expert Tips!

Jen, you write and maintain a superbly excellent and incredibly active blog. Many of the LWC members have been asking recently about how they can create an great blog with an awesome following. Can you give us three concrete suggestions that we should all be doing in order to be half as good as Unedited?

*blushes* You’re putting me on the spot here! Just know, that should anyone have questions or concerns about starting a blog or just want to chat about something they can’t do, my email is always open. I’ve helped several bloggers, because when I started, they helped me. Now onto the tips.

1. Connect:

A blogger doesn’t want to know that you ‘liked’ their post. This isn’t facebook. When you stop by, talk to them. They’re your friends (at least they become one through conversation). It is here you build a platform. Those who feel a connection with you will support you in whatever venture or road you travel down. The important thing is to always stay connected, even if it’s taken off the blog and onto email. I may not be able to visit all who stop by my blog but they know I appreciate their words.

2. Content:

Bloggers have THOUSANDS of blogs to choose from. If you want them to choose yours you need to stay true to yourself. I believe in finding a niche, yours is probably writing if you’re reading this post. Since it is, utilize the skill set you’ve learned and teach it to others. Even experienced writers benefit from reading a blog, they may missed something they never realized. Now, my blog is a mix of comedy and writing tips. If you are not an overly funny person (especially via the web) steer clear of trying to be funny. NEVER be something you’re not. If your sweet & kind that comes through.

Side tip: Keep your posts short and simple! Ask a question at the end of the post to allow the reader to want to post something. (I keep mine under 400 words).  

3. Have fun:

If you’re not a blogger and have no desire to open one, DON’T. It will show. You hear people tell you that agents and publishers look at web presence, though this is true to an extent, it’s your writing at the end that will make the difference. If you’re only working to maintain your blog and never writing a good story, what was it for in the first place? Blog for you… when you notice people stop by, blog for them.

If you want to see a blog done well, head over to Unedited and check her out putting all this advice into action. Thanks Jen so much for the time and tips!

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

November 28, 2011   Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, Author Interviews, main   3 Comments comments

My Writing Journey | Writing a Story My Teenage Kids Love by Cynthia Watson

My Writing Journey
A guest post by Cynthia Watson

As of October, 2011, my Young Adult Paranormal Romance, WIND, is published on Amazon.com.

WIND is a bitter-sweet story about eighteen-year-old Flynn Flood, a Boston college student whose world falls apart when her beloved father dies of the “Irish Cancer”— alcoholism—and her once-vibrant mother, descends into a paralyzing depression. 

 

After a seemingly accidental encounter, help arrives in the form of earthy-looking Dante, an international student from Italy.  Dante seems perfect, but when Flynn finds herself descending into a rabbit hole of frightening, inexplicable mystical occurrences, she quickly deduces that Dante is no ordinary boyfriend.

 

WIND began as an adult paranormal novel, but I’ve always wanted to write something my children (Matthew, 21 & Anne Marie, 17 at the time) would read.  When I started writing WIND in 2009, my kids and their friends were heavily immersed in the Twilight series.  I would walk by their rooms, and hear them dissecting Stephanie Meyer’s popular novel to death.  It piqued my curiosity.  My daughter suggested I read the first book, so I did, and thought it was great!  I loved the voice, and the desperate passion of the two main characters, Bella and Edward, and I could absolutely relate to the confusion of Bella’s long-suffering father, Charlie (the dialogue between Bella and Charlie sounded very familiar!).  

 

I decided to incorporate more young adult characters into WIND, and, ultimately, it entirely morphed into a YA Paranormal Romance, narrated by eighteen-year-old Mary Flynn Flood (just called “Flynn” by her two best friends, the charmingly gay David, and boy-crazy Siobhan).  Then I added, Kevan, Flynn’s sixteen-year-old sister, and the YA feeling was complete.  I loved creating the dynamics between Flynn and Kevan; frustrating, but loving at the same time.  Often, they can’t stand each other (typical sisters!), but they both eventually learn, the hard way, that “blood is thicker than water.”

 

At first I wasn’t sure I could create a teen voice, but once I started, it just poured out (I was a teenager once, even if my kids don’t believe it).  The story is told from Flynn’s point of view—she’s a bit of myself, and a lot of my daughter, a funny, and uncommonly thoughtful young woman —who is, due to tragic circumstances, forced to become an adult overnight.   Incidentally, the only bit of advice my daughter gave me was not to use the word “groovy” (hey, I grew up in the sixties!).   When I completed the final edits, both my kids read it, and thankfully, they loved it.  My daughter likes young, defiant Kevan, and my son loves the dark, demon side of the story.

 

I love reading about published authors’ journeys; most went through so many ups and downs before getting published.  It gives me great comfort to know I’m not alone in riding the publishing roller coaster. I’ve had my moments wherein I considered quitting – for about an hour – then I realized writing is a calling; you just don’t have a choice, once you start (I got my start writing for my all-girls school newspaper; my first piece was a review of an Elton John concert!).  I just couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

 

WIND, the first book in ETERNAL SYMMETRY SAGA, recently advanced to the second round in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.   Cynthia’s writing has been featured on ShortStoryBook.net, QueryTracker.net, Musings from the Slush Pile, Glass Cases, WOW! – Women Writers, Women Books, and Women on Writing.   
    
Look for WIND on Amazon.com in October, 2011.  Cynthia is currently writing book two of the ETERNAL SYMMETRY SAGA, SAND.

You can follow Cynthia Watson on Twitter and read her blog, here.

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

October 19, 2011   Category: Author Interviews, Guest Posts, main   2 Comments comments

Results Not Typical Blog Tour | Q&A With Catherine, Caffeinated.

I am VERY excited that today Ladies Who Critique is hosting author Catherine Ryan Howard on her tour across the blogosphere!

Catherine is an Irish writer, blogger and expert in self-publishing. This month is the launch of her 4th title, and debut fiction novel Results Not Typical: a Corporate Satire.

It is my pleasure to welcome the wonderful Catherine and congratulate her on her book release – she’s a smart and fun writer, and I just know you’ll love this chat we had.

(The Interview is in three parts: 1. Self Publishing Your Novel, 2. The Writing Process, 3. Results Not Typical.)

Welcome, Catherine!

 

 

 

Catherine Ryan Howard is a 29-year-old writer, blogger and enthusiastic coffee-drinker.

She currently lives in Cork, Ireland, where she divides her time between her desk and the sofa. She blogs at www.catherineryanhoward.com.

 

 

 

Part 1: Self Publishing Your Novel

Okay, I know you’ve talked about this a gazillion times before but for the sake of readers unfamiliar with your blog, why did you decide to self-publish your novel. Didn’t you say you never would?

Yes, once upon a time I said that I would never, ever self-publish a novel – and I’m so glad everyone remembers that… (!) My first adventure in self-publishing was a travel memoir, Mousetrapped, which I released in March 2010. I decided to self-publish it after getting rejection after rejection from publishers, who all said the same thing: we like it, but there’s no market for it.

With the novel, I figured that it would either be good enough (and so get published) or not good enough (and so rejected and best left in a drawer). But when I started submitting Results Not Typical, I started getting the same reaction: we like it, but it doesn’t fit the Irish/UK chick-lit market. As its humor is satirical and it’s set in the States, I understood why they felt this way.

Then Mousetrapped sales took off – I’ve sold over 8,000 copies to date – so I started thinking, well, I have an established readership and, as a self-publisher, I can sell worldwide, so maybe I’ll self-publish my novel as well… It wasn’t a decision I came to lightly, and I hope it’s the right one!

  (more…)

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

 

October 4, 2011   Category: Author Interviews, Guest Posts, main   4 Comments comments

Character Development | How Author Meredith Schorr Hit the Nail on the Head with her Female Protagonist

Meredith Schorr, who wrote Just Friends With Benefits, has received some fantastic reviews on both Goodreads & Amazon, and the one thing that caught my eye was that the reviewers state the same thing over and over: that Stephanie is a great character whom every woman can identify with.

Stephanie is a great character, surrounded by great friends. Schorr created a cast of characters who could be plucked out of any of our lives.  – Kelly, Crib Notes

My absolute favorite part of this book though had to be the group of friends. Made up of different characters, guys and girls, couples and singles with a variety of different jobs, they reminded me exactly of my friends. – Samantha, Chick Lit Plus

“I saw a lot of myself in Stephanie and I think a lot of women can identify with her.” – Scorpio Girl

 

 Character development is tricky, but for her readers Meredith seems to have hit the nail on the head. I stopped to chat with Meredith about how she did it.

“What parts of Stephanie make her so likable? How did you develop her character so that she was one the reader could identify and fall in love with?”

I am beyond thrilled that readers have related so well to Stephanie. That was my intention. 

There are a lot of likable characters in chick-lit. I love Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic books. She was adorable, quirky and big hearted and I’ve read every book in the series. But I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone in your circle of friends remotely similar to her. 

 

Same thing with Carrie Bradshaw from SATC. I loved watching her on television, but don’t actually know anyone who has her designer wardrobe, celebrity friends and is invited to the hottest restaurant openings, all while living in a studio apartment and barely paying her rent.  The characters of Becky and Carrie are both brilliantly created, but they are not based on real women.

 

By contrast, Stephanie Cohen has a non-glamorous, but perfectly acceptable career as a paralegal and her social life consists mostly of hanging out in the homes of her non-famous friends or at bars and restaurants that do not require a reservation two months in advance. She isn’t the “it” girl, but she is not fatally flawed, suffering from crazy obsessions or a girl to be pitied either.  She is pretty and thin and attracts men, but not every man who sees her.   At times, she is comfortable in her own skin and content and at other times, she’s an emotional wreck. She does not engage in casual sex on a regular basis, but she has her weaknesses and gives into them from time to time. She’s not a femme fatale and can be pretty awkward when she feels insecure or lacking confidence but she knows how to seduce a man with whom she feels secure and sexy.  She’s not so poor that her credit card is maxed out and she works hard for her money, but she also splurges on the occasional vacation and fancy night out.  In other words, she’s basically a regular chick.  

 

I wanted to write a book that defied the old stereotypes of “chick lit”. I wanted to write a fun, entertaining read, but not one about the girl who dated 100 frogs before meeting her prince or the girl who was obsessed with getting married.  And not one about the girl who feared her evil boss or spent her free time buying designer shoes, sipping martinis, lamenting her weight and jet setting around the world.  I chose to focus my story on the common mistakes women make when dating and their tendency to sabotage their own relationships, rather than portray Stephanie as a “victim” of someone else’s behavior. 

 

Basically, I wanted to write a story that could actually happen in real life, about a girl who makes mistakes lots of women tend to make, while surrounded by friends and family members readers might recognize from their own worlds.  And I think that is the reason readers liked and related so well to Stephanie.  

For the record, Stephanie did like to dress well and she drank her share of martinis.  But she also downed a few beers and sported sneakers at the gym – thankfully not at the same time.  (Although that would be funny and I might have to use it in a subsequent book.)  

 

Readers… it’s over to you. How are you developing/ did you develop your lead character to make he/she likable and easy to identify with?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Just Friends With Benefits in the format of your choice (digital or paperback). Find out more about Meredith and her book here.
Contest Closes 11.59 PST Wednesday October 5th, 2011

*If you enjoyed reading this post, why not sign up for our delightfully infrequent newsletter?* Yes Please!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 

September 28, 2011   Tags:
Category: Author Interviews, Giveaways & Contests, main, Writing Skills   6 Comments comments

Copyright © 2011 Ladies Who Critique / 30 Day Books LLC
All rights reserved.