Interview with novelist Stevie Turner

I’m happy to introduce you to Stevie Turner today. She’s chatting with me about her new novel, a women’s fiction called, Repent at Leisure.

Bio:

Stevie Turner grew up in the East End of London and was fortunate enough to attend an excellent primary school which encouraged creative writing. After winning a writing competition at her school, Stevie began to keep a diary and often added little stories and poems to it as the years went by.

By the time marriage and motherhood came along, Stevie and her husband Sam had decided that the country life was preferable to bringing their sons up in London. The company Sam worked for had re-located to Norfolk, and they felt the time was right to make the change. They moved to a quiet, picturesque village in Suffolk, East Anglia, where their boys could roam free as they grew. Stevie found work as an office clerk and still kept a diary, but did not take up writing seriously until 2013. By this time her two sons had left home and she had more time to herself.

Stevie’s debut novel The Porn Detective was self-published in October 2013 and took her 30 years to write. A London agency debated representation, but after a long, agonising week’s wait for Stevie she found out that unfortunately the agency had decided not to go ahead. However, she now had the writing bug big time! Stories started filling her head based on news items she had read and life experiences she had undergone, and she could not wait to get them down on paper.

Her second book The Pilates Class was a light-hearted, humorous read, giving way to the more serious suspense/ thriller A House Without Windows, which won a New Apple Book Award in 2014 and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Award in 2015. It is now being translated into German.

Stevie then tried her hand at historical fiction, penning a short story ‘Lily’, which was a joint winner of the Goodreads’ eBookMiner Book of the Month Contest in August 2015, and then came the suspense /thriller ‘For the Sake of a Child’, which had been runner-up in the same eBookMiner Book of the Month Contest in October 2014.

After November 2014 Stevie took early retirement from her 13-year position as a medical secretary in a busy NHS hospital, due to after-effects from treatment for thyroid cancer. The following year, 2015, was the most prolific year for Stevie. She began to write full time and penned another 6 novels and 2 short stories, by which time she was happily in remission from cancer for a second time. She even wrote a romance, A Most Unusual Romance, partly based on the treatment she had undergone back in 2005 when initially diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.

By the time her latest novel Repent at Leisure was finished, Stevie had decided to approach the independent publishers Creativia, based on a recommendation from one of their current authors. She was impressed with their book marketing Street Team support, and at the quick response to emails and queries.

Creativia published Repent at Leisure in March 2016 complete with a beautiful book cover, and currently the company goes from strength to strength, taking on new authors daily. Stevie was pleased at recently being informed that ‘Repent at Leisure’ has been placed on the shortlist for The Escalator Writing Contest.

Stevie still lives in the same picturesque Suffolk village that she and Sam moved to in 1991 with their two boys. She is now working on a collection of short stories that she hopes will be published towards the end of the year. One of her short stories, ‘Lifting the Black Dog’, was recently published in ‘1000 Words or Less Flash Fiction Collection’ (2016). She has also written an article ‘Look on the Bright Side of Life’ which was included in the recently published book ‘They Say I’m Doing Well’ which are articles about mental illness, proceeds of which go to the charity MIND.

Stevie and Sam enjoy attending rock festivals and concerts in their spare time, and especially love visiting the Isle of Wight, their second home, and of course the Isle of Wight Festival, which to them is the best festival of all! They also enjoy family life with their grown up sons, daughters-in-law and four grandchildren, all of whom still live close by in Suffolk.

Welcome, Stevie. Please tell us about your current release.

Paul McAdam wakes up with a strange girl in his bed, but has no idea who she is or where she has come from.

Cat Taylor worms her way into Paul’s life, eventually moving into his flat. The arrangement suits Paul quite well until he meets Anita Fairfax, the love of his life and the girl he wishes to marry. Cat has to go, but Paul finds that she is not interested in moving out.

When Cat is found dead in Paul’s flat, he's the #1 suspect, even though there's not a shred of evidence. Anita and Paul are happily married, but she soon begins to wonder whether her new husband could have been Cat’s killer all along...

What inspired you to write this book?

I love to write about convoluted (sometimes dysfunctional) family relationships and human emotions and jealousies. Repent at Leisure was just waiting to be written!

Excerpt from the first chapter of Repent at Leisure:

Part 1 – Paul; Chapter 1; January 1, 2000

           

            Darren must have spiked my bloody drink again; I’ll kill the bastard.

            I sit up in bed, rub my eyes and give her the once over as I inch back the covers. She’s naked and reasonably good-looking, but the blonde hair doesn’t quite reach the roots and the face is caked in make-up. I’ve always liked the natural look, so God knows why I went and picked her. Perhaps I didn’t; probably Darren gave her a good time and then lumbered me with her after I’d passed out.

            My mouth’s as dry as a badger’s chuff, and my head is throbbing. I need some coffee. Whoever she is sleeps on as I climb out of bed and slide into some jeans. As I open the bedroom door I can see Darren, fully clothed and dead to the world on the settee. We must have had a fucking ace time of it last night; if only I could remember.

            The noise of the kettle brings Darren out of his stupor. As he comes into the kitchen his mullet’s awry like he’s got a surfboard on his head. Yawning, I reach for two mugs from the cupboard and heap a spoonful of coffee in each. I indicate with a thumb over in the direction of the bedroom.

            “Who’s the bird?”

            Darren hacks up enough tar to fill all the potholes along the M1.

            “You’re asking me? You’re the one who was with her all night.”

            “Yeah, but some bastard spiked my drinks.”

            My look of venom informs him in no uncertain terms whom I suspect of perpetrating the crime. Darren, innocence personified, shrugs his shoulders, picks up the kettle, and pours boiling water into the mugs.

            “Nothin’ to do with me, mate.”

            “Yeah, and my dick’s two foot long.”

            “You should be so lucky.” Darren adds coffee to an extra mug. “Here; give her one.”

            “I already did, didn’t I?” I sigh.

            “Possibly; you were going at it hammer and tongs in there last night.”

            “Shit.”

                       

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am working on a collection of short stories, which is nearly finished. The stories are all based on significant life events.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I only really began to write seriously 3 years ago, and now write full time, having taken early retirement last year.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A doctor, although I was hopeless at Maths, Chemistry and Physics, so it didn’t work out!

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Google | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | YouTube

Interview with historical fiction author Marina Raydun

Marina Raydun is here today. She’s talking about her writing and 2 of her novellas, One Year in Berlin and Foreign Bride.

Welcome, Marina. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an NYC indie author. I was born and raised in the former USSR (born in Russia, raised in Belarus). However, having moved to the United States at the age of 11, I consider this country to be my true home. Skipping 6^th grade, I entered 7^th in Brooklyn, New York, where I live to this day. I hold a B.A. in History, as well as a J.D., though I do not currently practice law. I’ve been writing for myself since I was a teenager but these two novellas are my first published works of fiction.

Please tell us about your current release.

This is a book of two novellas. They differ from each other greatly, in themes and inspirations. I’ll go over them individually.

One Year in Berlin is a story about a young woman named Rachael. She is a granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor and finds herself having to live in Berlin for at least a year because of her husband’s career opportunity. Even though she believes she is strong enough to not be held back by her family’s history (along with its long-held fears and prejudices), Rachael feels herself growing a bit unhinged on German soil; her new life becomes riddled with nightmares and visions, her past and present get confused. We watch her go through this year-long ordeal, unsure if she’ll ever find herself again.

Foreign Bride is a tale of two people from different countries (and cultures) looking for love. Bobby is a middle-aged man from London, while Sofiya is a younger woman from Moscow; they find each other in the context of Russia’s “mail-order bride” industry. Their feelings for each other seem genuine, despite the rather calculated manner in which they met, and yet, they can’t seem to relax and enjoy each other’s company. We are privy to their deepest insecurities and bouts of self-destruction as we watch what such things can do to a potentially happy couple.

What inspired you to write this book?

One Year in Berlin was in part inspired by my own nightmares (though, needless to say, I’ve fictionalized them for publication). Unfortunately, given that I am Jewish and come from Eastern Europe, the subject of World War II has always hit a bit close to home. I believe that unless we continue to study and talk about this dark chapter in our history, we cannot truly do our best to ensure that such atrocities never take place again; nor can there ever be any forgiveness. Because of this, I really felt it was important to try to tell a story showing three perspectives that bring little, if any, good—one that’s stuck in the past, one that’s knee deep in denial, and a third that refuses to see what the fuss is all about given how many years have passed.

Rachael’s nightmares can also be read as a metaphor for her feelings towards (or fears of) her husband. This novella can be read entirely as a relationship piece. How you’d rather interpret this one is entirely up to the reader; I wrote it dually on purpose.

Foreign Bride, on the other hand, was inspired by my fascination with the “mail-order bride” industry. The footing in these types of relationships is anything but equal—at least one party is out of her/his comfort zone. Expectations also differ greatly from those one would reasonably anticipate in a more ordinary setting. Not to say that these relationships are always doomed to abuse and mistrust. Absolutely not! There are legitimately happy couples out there who are genuinely grateful to this industry for helping them find each other. Still, I’ve always wanted to look deeper into this world, wanting to play around with the various themes involved. One morning, during my subway commute, I visualized the first chapter and had to write it down. I took it from there.

Excerpt from One Year in Berlin, Chapter 1:

Darren eyed his wife with a hint of worry from behind the thick, pseudo-intellectual frames he used for reading. He put down his copy of The New Yorker and threw his arm around her, pulling her into his side.

“Relax, Ascher, whatever it is you are thinking about, odds are—you’re overthinking it,” he ordered in his effortlessly confident tone as she let out a snort into his black, fashionably worn-out leather jacket.

Darren was used to a strong, tough wife and suspected that having to watch her deteriorate would not be easy.

“Look! It says I’m German,” she whined cautiously.

Excerpt from Foreign Bride, Chapter 2:

When it was Bobby’s turn, her heart seemed to stop beating to allow her ears to hear better.

“London,” he answered simply.

Sofiya was used to hearing these men declare with pride that they were from New York but really being from Albany, or saying that they were from Frankfurt but really meaning Aachen. Chances of this man being from London were slim, she knew.

“Really? London-London?” she smiled, lifting her eyebrows skeptically.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on a full length novel, aiming for publication late this spring (2014). A reader of mine once described my stories as those about “relationships with a twist.” I love that description and find it to be very accurate. This upcoming novel will sure be a “relationship (or two…or three) with a twist (or two…or three)” type of work, set against the backdrop of a murder-mystery.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I wrote my first short story in high school, but it wasn’t until a little later in life that I realized that I love writing for its own sake; that crafting stories and characters simply makes me happy. I’ve always been a bit afraid of titles so I’m not sure when I officially labeled myself a “writer,” but I’ll say sometime during a sleepless night in college.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I am not a full-time writer. As a mom, my daily routine is fairly busy, but I try to carve out time to write every single day. I think it is important to do so for the sheer exercise of it. Even if the piece will not pan out to be a story you’ll ever publish or even share with a friend, it’s vital to give your brain that workout. Right now, about two hours a day is all I am able to commit to this passion but I try to make this time as productive and focused as I possibly can.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t start with an outline. I always have to write out the first chapter fairly thoroughly before going back and working out an outline for the entire piece. I like to try to give my characters as much freedom as possible to tell me where it is they want to go.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always wanted to be a singer (and an actor). Growing up, I never really wanted to play with “real” toys; instead, I’d play records and act out concerts or musicals (all in front of imaginary but sold-out arenas, of course). I don’t think those dreams have ever truly seized to be my ultimate fairytale-type fantasies but for a brief moment in time, as an adolescent, I also wanted to become a teacher and a lawyer. I guess I’ve always wanted to create something.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I would like to thank them for taking a chance on a new name and for reading my creations. It means the world!

If I could give anyone a piece of advice, it’d be this: go after your dreams! Pursue them aggressively! The longer you wait to pursue them, the harder it’ll become to eventually make them a reality.

Links:

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon 

Thanks, Marina! Happy writing!

Book blurb for new adult romance Weak at the Knees by Jo Kessel

Today is an introduction to the new adult contemporary romance novel Weak at the Knees by Jo Kessel.

Jo will be giving away a $50 Amazon or BN.com (winner's choice) gift card to a lucky commenter during the tour. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and enter there, too.

Blurb for Weak at the Knees:  

“We got so busy living life that we forgot to live our dreams.”

Danni Lewis has been playing it safe for twenty-six years, but her sheltered existence is making her feel old ahead of time. When a sudden death plunges her into a spiral of grief, she throws caution to the wind and runs away to France in search of a new beginning.

The moment ski instructor Olivier du Pape enters her shattered world she falls hard, in more ways than one.

Their mutual desire is as powerful and seductive as the mountains around them. His dark gypsy looks and piercing blue eyes are irresistible.

Only she must resist, because he has a wife – and she’d made a pact to never get involved with a married man.

But how do you choose between keeping your word and being true to your soul?

Weak at the Knees is Jo’s debut novel in the new adult, contemporary romance genre – a story about love, loss and relationships, set between London and the heart of the French Alps.

Excerpt from Weak at the Knees:

Late afternoon Olivier and I are playing with interlocked fingers, sitting side by side on the balcony step, basking in the sun.

“I’ve been thinking about your birthday. Is there anything in particular that you’d like to do?” he asks.

I shrug.

“I don’t think so. Birthdays are no big deal and twenty-seven is hardly one of the big ones.”

It’s getting dangerously close to thirty and my life is still not exactly sorted. He rubs it in.

“There’s only three more years to go until you join my decade! Look, forget about it being your birthday. Let’s just say we’ve got an evening to spend together to do something a bit different. What would you like to do then?”

I’m not brave enough to ask what’s going to happen to us, to ask whether he’s going to have left his wife by then, or whether he’s expecting me to stay as his bit on the side. But perhaps I won’t need to. Because if I can summon enough courage to tell him exactly what I’d really like to do for my birthday, his answer will probably tell me all I need to know. There is something I’ve been desperate to do since we got together, but it’s not been possible seeing as our affair has to be kept secret. It doesn’t seem much to ask and for most couples it’s the simplest thing to do. I can’t bear to look at his face, to see his expression or to read his reaction, so I fixate on our fingers instead, making pretty puppet patterns.

“Actually, there is something I’d like to do,” I say. “I’d like to go out and eat at a restaurant, just you and me.”

He’s silent for the longest moment. His fingers stop moving and so, it feels, does my heart.

“Do you know how difficult that is for me Danni?”

His face is tight and serious when I look up and drown in his clear blue stare. I can barely breathe. It feels like the question mark hanging over our relationship and future has just jumped off the page, quadrupled in size and wrapped itself tight around my windpipe.

Author information:

When Jo was ten years old she wrote a short story about losing a loved one. Her mother and big sister were so moved by the tale that it made them cry. Having reduced them to tears she vowed that the next time she wrote a story it would make them smile instead. Happily she succeeded and with this success grew an addiction for wanting to reach out and touch people with words. Jo lives in London with her husband and three children where she works as a TV and print journalist. She tells life stories and can often be found travelling the globe researching the next big holiday hotspots for readers to enjoy. Since becoming a mother anything even remotely sad makes her cry. She’s a sucker for a good romance and tear-jerker movies are the worst. She’s that woman in the cinema, struggling to muffle audible wails as everyone else turns round to stare.

P.S. Jo’s pretty certain one of her daughters has inherited this gene.  

I love to hear from my readers and they can connect with me on:

My website: www.jokessel.com

Twitter: @jo_kessel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kesseljo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173167.Jo_Kessel        

Amazon US buy link | Amazon UK buy link

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Review - Killer Butterfly by James R. Vance

Petra's life is a challenging as any other fifteen-year-old with a dysfunctional family, but the choices she makes as she moves through life cross the lines of acceptable, reasonable, and sane.

Petra Rebovka feels entitled to get whatever she wants whenever she wants it. The rebellious streak she develops in order to gain attention as the middle child of three, increase in intensity as she gets older. She's always seeking something 'more'. Men are a constant disappointment, but she can't live without them. One horrific experience changes her life, and the lives of anyone she encounters, into tabloid headlines.

Vance's obvious passion for the thriller genre is apparent through his succint and descriptive writing that has the readers as involved in the story as the characters. He takes a risk letting the reader in on the antagonist's point of view, but he balances it with logical questions, answers, and assumptions the protagonist uses while working to solve the case. He balances dialogue with narrative without wasting a word.

Author James R. Vance lives in southwest France. He wrote his first crime fiction novel, The Courier, drawing inspiration from his knowledge of London and norther France for the storyline. His second novel, Killer Butterfly, features the same two detectives. His third novel in the series, Animal Instinct, will be completed in 2009.

Killer Butterfly is an engaging thriller told in a unique fashion and a recommended read for lovers of the genre.

Available through online outlets, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and http://www.theebooksale.com/.

Title: Killer Butterfly
Author: James R. Vance

Publisher:RealTime Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-90680-674-3

Pages: 280

Price:$10.95

Reviewed for Allbooks Review