Brenda Perlin – Author

Throughout her journey, she learned a lot about herself and discovered the meaning of true love. However, that was also when everything erupted around her. To read about Brenda Perlin’s book please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Wrecker/166853390108387

Read Full Post »

Author Monica Lee

This bravely written memoir from author Monica Lee might appeal to true crime fans, too — it’s the story of how a teacher sex scandal topples a marriage: “The Percussionist’s Wife: A Memoir of Sex, Crime & Betrayal.”

To know more about Monica Lee and her books, please click:
http://www.facebook.com/MonicaLeeWriter

Read Full Post »

Okay, Halloween is just around the corner. Who’s ready for a scare?

Do you believe in ghosts? Alice and Mark O’Brien didn’t. They bought Hawthorn Grange, a house with stories to tell, like the story of Mick Feeney and the day he moved into The Grange…

It was a gray, dismal day when he arrived. He was relieved to get inside out of the rain. He had been to visit his Aunt Mae, and Uncle Henry, as a child, but never warmed to them or to this house. Therefore, he had no intention of keeping Hawthorn Grange. It was his intention to just look through it to see if there was anything worth keeping, and then sell it.

However, a strange sensation passed over him as he walked from room to room, and something he could never explain made him change his mind and keep it. He had flashbacks to his childhood as he opened each door, and although none of them were happy memories, they nevertheless seemed to compel him to keep the house, to live out the rest of his life there. He couldn’t even put the flashbacks down to a photograph he found of himself, his parents and siblings outside their own home.

Nor could he say that it was from a sense of pride that he had come from such humble beginnings, a small run-down cottage housing ten ragamuffins in tattered clothes, to this grand house that made him want to keep it.

On his first night in Hawthorn Grange he was unable to sleep and got up to get a drink. On the way back to his room with a hot whiskey, he jumped and dropped the drink, splashing himself with it.

He had no time, however, to feel the liquid burn his skin, as what had made him jump made its way across the hall and passed through him, freezing him to the spot. The next morning there would be no burn marks from the splashes of hot whiskey, as the hours of cold from the ghosts of Aunt Mae and Uncle Henry passing through him salved the burned skin.

This experience would have sent most people running for the hills. Indeed, he did fleetingly think about selling the house when he was able to move and think again at dawn. However, something inexplicable made him stay.

The next night he stayed in his room behind his bedroom door, opened just a crack, and watched as the ghosts of Mae and Henry floated up and down the hall.

Watching their ghosts disappear into the floorboards at dawn, he knew that all he would have to do was stay out of their way between midnight and dawn.

As time went on he discovered that more ghosts from the graveyard next door would join Mae and Henry. These ghosts he recognized as friends and family of his aunt and uncle. He assumed that over time they had gotten bored of haunting the house with no results and had beckoned to the other ghosts to come in.

At night he repeatedly dreamt of Mae and Henry burning in the fire that had claimed their lives and saw their skin charring, flaking away from their faces and bodies. Mick stared at their skeletons and felt himself burning alongside them. The dream felt so real that when he woke up in a cold sweat he jumped out of the bed and started rolling on the floor, swatting at himself to put out the flames he felt sure were ravaging his body. Sometimes he looked down at himself in his dream and saw nothing more than a burning skeleton.

The ghosts taking over the hall every night meant that he had to carefully plan his trips to the toilet. As he got older and his bladder got weaker this became more difficult.

He would wait until all of the ghosts had passed by, leaving a clear path from his room to the toilet. Then he would dash to the bathroom and give the ghosts time to pass up and down again until there was once more a clear path to his bedroom. But sometimes he would only get halfway to the bathroom and be frozen to the spot until morning, and when he came to, his stomach would ache from the unrelieved pressure.

Over the years more and more memories came back to him about the visits he had made to his aunt and uncle when he was younger; they had made his life miserable. As he compared his behavior to theirs he began to see that maybe they weren’t such bad people after all, this house certainly seemed to have a strange hold over people, a hold that went beyond the hauntings that had presumably started with his aunt and uncle’s deaths.

Even though he could see that the house was making him behave in a strange, even bad, way, he was powerless to sell up and move away from it. The thought of it caused a strange constricting feeling around his chest and he struggled to breathe, as if it was the house itself that was breathing life into him, enabling him to continue living.

To read more:

http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Dead-Yvonne-McEvaddy/dp/1479325422, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Dead-Yvonne-McEvaddy/dp/1479325422

Read Full Post »

Interview with Jessica Kong, Author of “A Lost Kitten.”

Hi Jessica, it’s great to have you here today to talk about your book.

Jessica A. Kong lives in Somerset, New Jersey with her loving husband of twenty years and teenage triplets. She is an avid reader of fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal. When she is not reading she enjoys arts and craft, puzzles, crocheting, and video games. A Lost Kitten is Jessica’s debut novel. She is currently working on the second installment to the Sea-anan Saga entitled, “A Kitten’s Tale”.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I began to dabble in the art of writing during High School. I was a fan of the then popular singing boy group and created short stories about meeting them. My friends all loved the plots, characters, and dialogue even though I felt the sentence structure needed help.

As an indie author, what has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

The most difficult part for me is marketing. I would rather write and edit my book than market it. But I know without marketing no one would know who I am.

Who are the authors who inspire you?

That’s easy. Nora Roberts, Ann Rice, and Christine Feehan.

Do you plan/sketch your scenes before you write, or do you wing it?

I write outlines of my story then go back and flesh them out.

Do you start writing your scenes as dialog or plot?

Both. While I’m writing my outline, if my character has something to say then I jot the dialog down. If they are only doing something then I write that. I would go back and flesh it out when the rest of the story comes to me.

Please tell us more about the universe in which your book is set?

My book is set in our universe and beyond, in other words, this dimension we live in. In my book, our dimension is called Guildhall. In a distant section of Guildhall, mixed breeds of felines have built a peaceful empire. This empire is under attack, as well as all of Guildhall by a tyrant bent on ruling Guildhall and all the other dimensions.

Who are your favorite characters in the book?

John McCall. I love all the members of the Ruling Clan of Sea-ana. The Ruling Clan is made up of three families that are not related. Each family goes through hardship, starting with the parents, that each member becomes loyal and faithful to one another. Their bonds are strengthened because of all the hardships they endured over the years, creating one large family and a force to be reckoned with.

Tell us more about the book’s theme?

My book’s themes are family loyalty, love, faith, racial prejudice-yes aliens have that issue too-finding one’s soulmate, and the consequences of war.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I watch a lot of movies and read a lot of books that give me a lot of crazy dreams. And like all writers, I keep my notebook on my bedside table for the more interesting dreams.

What’s next on your agenda?

I am working on establishing a fan base. I would love to hear from my fans through their reviews of A Lost Kitten and by visiting my Facebook and Goodreads pages and leaving me comments. They can also twitter me. I am also working on the next Sea-anan installment, which I plan to release next year.

To learn more or contact Jessica Kong, go to:

Book Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-World-of-Sea-ana/462338863811603
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Kong/155150417957328
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AreoMc
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6533956.Jessica_Kong

You can buy A Lost Kitten on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Lost-Kitten-Jessica-Kong/dp/1475143400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347412932&sr=8-1&keywords=A+lost+kitten

Thank you for joining me today Jessica and I wish you the best of look with your writing.

Read Full Post »

Dee Doanes, Author of “The Man With The Green Suitcase.”

What does a prostitute, a corrupt businessman, and a disfigured young woman have in common with a mysterious, old homeless man who carries a green suitcase? The old man gives them visions—visions that even he doesn’t understand. To read more of Dee’s work visit http://www.facebook.com/DeeDoanesAuthor

Read Full Post »

Interview with Winsome Campbell-Green, Author of Ten Life Changing Lessons.

Hi Winsome, I’m delighted to have you here today, all the way from Jamaica, to talk about your writing.

What is your book about?

Learn about the ten most fundamental lessons that will forever change your life. Written with openness and honesty, the book provides a refreshing look into how you can follow your intuitions to make better life choices. One of the key points to look for understands the power of visualizing which helps you to change your thoughts and eventually your life. This is a book for both men and women that and can be shared with your friends and family.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?
The idea was born from my own personal struggles. I had written down the first five lessons in 2011 and I felt compelled to add to it. It was not until early 2012 that I decided that I would publish it in a book.

What makes your book different than others in your genre?
My book is short, sweet and is an easy read. It is small but delivers a great message. In short, great things can come in small packages

What strange writing rituals do you have?

Sometimes I listen to music and write. Music helps me to get in touch with my emotions. Another thing I do is that I write better at nights. There is something about the ‘quiet’ that makes me focus more on my work

Is your writing style similar to any well-known writers? If so, which one(s)?

I have not tried to identify with any known Authors but I do write from a place of openness and honesty. I like when it sounds conversational.

What are your hobbies?
Writing first and foremost, going to the beach on the North Coast, Photography, Cooking and Reading.

What are some writing goals for the future?
I am currently working on a personal memoir about growing up in Jamaica. As most memoirs are personal, in this book I have more freedom to express myself in a deeply personal way.

If you were stranded on an island which book would you bring with you?
Jane Eyre…Read it over twenty times

What was the most difficult thing you have learned being a writer?
I learnt that the writing is the easy part but when its published I had to start making time for my family and friends. I am trying to find time to go back to my book, and blog. However, I learned that what it takes is commitment.

Where can we connect with you?

On goodreads at: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552647.Winsome_Campbell_Green

Where can we buy a copy of your book?

Read Full Post »

Paige Bleu Finds Summerland

Imagine slowly being awakened to a world where myths are real, and the rabbit hole goes deeper than you ever could have imagined. Check out Paige Bleu’s supernatural, indie-novel ‘Finding Summerland’ to discover what it would be like to find out everything you thought you knew, was only the beginning.
http://www.facebook.com/PaigeBleuFans

Read Full Post »

Launch of Shadows of the Dead

To launch Shadows of the Dead I read an excerpt from it on Tuesday night at 8.30pm in Java’s Cafe in Abbeygate Street, Galway. To continue the launch of my second novel I am reading more excerpts from it on Tuesday 23rd and Tuesday 30th of October. As it is a ghost story and the final stage of the launch is on Tuesday 30th, the night before All Hallows Eve, there will be a prize of a copy of Shadows of the Dead for the scariest costume in Javas that night.

Read Full Post »

Entice Me, Melanie Toye

Entice Me is A fun, thrilling read that will not only make you want to read more but inspire you to follow your passion in life.

To know more about Melanie Toye, please click:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Toye/146863872056871

To know more about the book ‘Entice Me’ by Melaine Toye, please click:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Entice-Me/491350774212219

 

Read Full Post »

Interview with Zach Abrams, author of ‘Ring Fenced.’

 

Zach’s first book “Ring-Fenced” is an exciting exploration of the problems caused when the carefully separated lives of one man collide with unpredictable results.Like his central character, Bemjamin Short, Zach Abrams grew up within an orthodox Jewish family. He completed his education in Scotland and went on to a career in business and finance. He is married with two children. He plays no instruments and has an eclectic taste in music, although not as obsessive as Benjamin. Unlike Benjamin, he does not maintain mistresses, write pornography and (sadly) he does not have ownership of such a company. He is not a sociopath (at least by his own reckoning) and all versions of his life are aware of and freely communicate with each other.

 

Hi Zach, I’m delighted to have you here today to talk about your new book.

What is your book about?

My book tells the story of Benjanin Short in his various incarnations. Benjamin is a very complex character and compartmentalises his life to an extreme. His life is split into five different characters, each living under a variation of his name and the people in each of these lives have little or no knowledge of the others. The one common thread weaving each of his lives together is his obsession for music. There is an inevitability the divisions can not be sustained and the story deals with the unforeseen events taking place causing the divisions to become blurred with catastrophic results.

Benjamin is an anti-hero. Although each of his characters has some redeeming features, they essentially are all different aspects of Benjamin’s self obsession. He is a sociopath constantly using other people to serve his own ends.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

That’s the strange part. I didn’t have an idea for a book. I was sitting thinking about writing something and I had the idea for the character. He developed in my mind and I thought I’d start trying to write about him. At first I though it would make an essay or a short story. The ideas expanded as I tried to explain about the different aspects of his character and the story seemed to write itself. At no time did I prepare or think through a plot and I didn’t know where it was going. Afterwards, when I read it through for the first time it was like reading someone else’s novel.

Does your main character resemble anyone in your family or circle of friends?

I certainly hope not. True there are aspects of myself and of people I know but Benjamin is not based on any one person. To survive in modern society, I, like most people have to compartmentalise. Benjamin takes this beyond the boundaries of what is normal or reasonable. Each of Benjamin’s lives are reasonable normal if taken in isolation – it’s only when they are combined under the same character and obsessively ring fenced that they become pathological

Who is your favorite writer? Why?

There are many writers I love depending on my mood. One that I particularly enjoy is the British author Michael Dobbs (to confuse matters there is a US author of the same name). I became addicted to his books after reading ‘House of Cards’ where I adored his depiction of Francis Urquhart. His own political experiences make his novels knowledgeable, insightful and amusing.

How long did it take you to write your book?

Once I started writing ‘Ring Fenced,’ I was consumed by it and wrote obsessively. I completed the first draft within five weeks the needed a rest to draw breath. The first edit took me about four months and it was over another year before I was sufficiently happy with it to allow anyone else, outside family, to read it. I waited a further year or more to embark on another novel and I have recently competed ‘Made a Killing.’ It was less obsessively written but not by much and I hope to have it published quite soon

What strange writing rituals do you have?

I don’t know if I’d go as far as calling them rituals but I prefer to write into a word document while having a couple of windows open in the background. I have one open to a dictionary /thesaurus and the other open in Google search. This way I can often research or confirm small details I’m writing about while the thought is in my head. Only recently, I’ve added a separate word document to the combination so I can make notes on my time line and characters as I go along.

I’ve recently noticed that I’m not too distracted by background noise so I don’t have a problem with a television or radio being on while I’m writing. It’s maybe helped by my partial deafness but strangely enough I’ve found afterwards that I have a reasonable awareness of what the programme has been about and it hasn’t significantly affected my writing – except maybe a few more typos to correct.

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies? Are you serious? Where’s the time? Seriously though, I still have a lot of work commitments and try to write whenever I can. This involves the associated requirements to edit and publish and to try to mutually support other writers that I know. Outside of all of this I enjoy reading, music travel and sports.

What are you reading at the moment?

Currently I’m reading ‘The Invention of the Big Bang’ by Fred Schafer. It has a very unusual style and is a compelling read with the author telling you someone’s retelling of the main characters life story. It took a bit of effort to get into it but it’s proving very much worth the effort, absorbing. I love reading Indie books, you find real originality while the mainstream mainly keeps churning out variations of the same thing.

Where can we link up to your website?

http://www.authorway.net/authors/zach-abrams

Where can we buy a copy of your book?

Thank you Zach for joining me for this interview. I wish you the best of luck with ‘Ring Fenced’ and look forward to ‘Made a Killing.’

Read Full Post »