Interview with medical thriller author Sean Adelman

My special guest today is Sean Christopher Adelman, MD. He’s here as part of a virtual book tour for his medical thriller, Trispero.

During his tour, Sean will be awarding a paperback copy of Trispero (US only) to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Sean Adelman is an orthopedic surgeon who lives in Seattle, Washington. He has three children; two girls and boy. His middle daughter is the inspiration for his books; she is beautiful and smart and happens to have Down syndrome. When Sean isn't writing or doing surgery he enjoys playing music on his electric guitar, and going for bike rides with his family to the local farmers market.

Welcome, Sean. Please tell us about your current release.
At its heart, Trispero is a book about a dad, his daughter, their relationship and what he would do for her. The subtext is a medical thriller with some science fiction dealing with genetics and how understanding ourselves can impact our future. Trispero is a journey of a dad and his daughter through loss, discovery, and redemption. We find that a brighter future for us all is hidden as a gift within some of our most disenfranchised. Will our world snuff out this gift before we discover its possibilities?

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration is my daughter, Devon. Devon is 18 years old and has Down syndrome, my stories are an homage to her spirit to promote inclusion and understanding for people with different abilities. As a father I wanted a way to share my message of hope after being frustrated by people's inability to see past her diagnosis. The actual idea for this novel came after a discussion with my neighbor who is on the board of our local cancer research institute about some new genetic therapies to cure cancer. My knowledge of the genetics of Down syndrome quickly snowballed into a story, three years later, here we are.

Excerpt from Trispero:

“Papa, what is a gift?”

“I’m sorry, Alucia, gift is a word peculiar to the old language. It means you give with no expectation of receiving anything in return.”

“Oh, we do that all the time.”

“Yes, my dear, it has fallen out of our language because it is just part of who we are. We don’t need a word for it.”

“Why do you use the words hidden gift when you speak of the Trispero then? It seems confusing for someone to hide a gift. If giving it was such a wonderful thing to do, then why make it hard to find?”

“Sometimes gifts can be dangerous if you are not ready for them. A mother bird doesn’t try to give its baby the gift of flight until it is ready. Would you give your best friend your favorite music if she had nothing to listen with?”

“How will you know when they are ready?”

***

Jerry laid in bed thinking. Time seemed to travel so slowly in his glass prison. He couldn’t believe it had been a year since Lily had moved to Denver. Quiet. Everyone thought he was asleep so he kept his face in his pillow hoping they would leave. Stay quiet, and they will go away. He slowed his breathing so he could hear. The intercom had been left open so he would know if someone came. Once it had been quiet for a few minutes, he carefully rolled his head to one side to make sure no one was there. The window was empty; no one was at the door. He rolled out of bed to go find his book. He just didn’t want to talk with anyone. He spent so much time here that when anyone visited they always had that, “I’m so sorry for you” look on their face. Everyone except Lily, that is. Lily just wanted to hang out and play; she never treated him like the freak that he was. He was only ten, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew he was sick; he didn’t know how long he would last.

***

 The tall man stood in the shadows across the street from Nate’s house. He watched as Nate parked his bike and went inside before picking up his cell phone. “Sir, yes, Dr. Gibson, Amsler is home with his wife now. Yes, you were correct. He did meet with Mrs. Lemay. I’ll give you a full debriefing when you arrive tomorrow, sir.”

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on a follow up for Trispero. The first story is a complete entity, but I have a lot more I want to show about the Trispero and how they changed the world.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

The first time I really thought of myself as a writer was when I got a note from a young girl in London about how much she enjoyed the story and how it made her look at the possibilities for her younger sister with Down syndrome a little differently.

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 actually a full- time orthopedic surgeon and father so finding time is challenging. The most effective way I have found is to use an iPad that I keep with me at all times. That way I can write whenever I have time between clinics, between surgeries, or even after dinner.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love classic American cars having grown up with my father who loved working on them. I try to include a cool car in my stories that doesn't really have anything to do with the plot. You will have to let me know what car that is in Trispero after you read it.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child I wanted to fly, if I couldn't be superman I wanted to fly jets in the Air Force. As I grew older I realized being an avenger made much more sense than a pilot, because then I could fly and save the world.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
For me, writing is more than just telling a story. Writing is a way for me to disperse my message to a broader audience. It's important for people to get my message about inclusion and acceptance so that I can feel my stories are making a difference. The other part of writing I didn't fully appreciate is how much I love the process. I enjoy coming up with the plot and organizing things in my mind. This process is challenging and works a part of my brain that is in desperate need of this stimulation.

Links:

Website | Amazon buy page | Twitter | Other Twitter

Thanks, Sean!

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Interview with women's fiction writer Amy Impellizzeri

Today marks the last stop in Amy Impellizzeri’s virtual book tour for her debut women’s fiction novel, Lemongrass Hope with Goddess Fish Promotions.

During her tour, Amy will be awarding a signed copy of her book (US Only) and a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Amy is a reformed corporate litigator, former start-up executive, and award-winning author. Amy’s first novel, Lemongrass Hope (Wyatt-MacKenzie 2014) , was a 2014 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Bronze Winner (Romance) and a National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist. A favorite with bloggers and book clubs, Lemongrass Hope was named the #1 reviewed book in 2014 by blogger, The Literary Connoisseur.

Amy is also the author of the non-fiction book, Lawyer Interrupted (ABA Publishing 2015), and numerous essays and articles that have appeared in online and print journals including: The Huffington Post, ABA Law Practice Today, The Glass Hammer, Divine Caroline, Skirt! Magazine, and more.

Amy is a Tall Poppy Writer and a volunteer for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and one energetic weimaraner, where she is currently hard at work on her next novel, Secrets of Worry Dolls.

Welcome, Amy. Please tell us about your current release.
Lemongrass Hope is a layered story about hope and choices and second chances that will surprise you – right up until the last page!

But at its core, it’s about a woman who meets two men on the same night – one becomes her husband, and one remains potentially the great love of her life.

What inspired you to write this book?
I came up with the idea for my first novel, Lemongrass Hope, after I took what was supposed to be a one year sabbatical from my 13-year corporate law gig. I had never wanted to be anything other than a lawyer, and so when I embarked on my sabbatical, it took me by surprise that I started to re-evaluate – for the first time – choices I had made and paths I had taken in my professional life. This second-guessing and re-evaluation must have had my subconscious working in overdrive, because while I did not leave the law to write a book, when an idea came to me about exploring second chances and roads not taken in the context of a unique love story, I decided to pursue it.

Excerpt from Lemongrass Hope:
Benton came and sat down next to Kate. Right next to her. Almost on top of her. Benton was tall and thin, and had long hair the color of Autumn. The right mix of red and brown with flecks of gold. She had friendly eyes and a bright white smile and was dressed all in navy like a banker, even though she looked like no banker Kate had ever met.

“See, I knew it.” Benton had said confidently, waving her long, manicured fingers over the textbooks and handwritten notes scattered across the park table, nearly knocking over Kate’s cup of coffee without apology.

“I told my friend last night that you were not a starving actress. That you were an academic. An intellectual. He said that you were too pretty to be an intellectual – that you were for sure, a ‘wannabe actress.’ His words, not mine, - so gauche no?”

Kate laughed in spite of herself. In spite also of having no clue what this gorgeous but obviously deranged creature was talking about.

***

Later, she would enjoy telling the story of how she met Benton in Bryant Park over and over again to Ian. He would say, “Wait, show me exactly how she sat down. And you had to actually push your chair back to shake her hand? And you couldn’t remember me? Not at all?”

Fake pout and then tender, long kiss.

Kate would always shake her head, of course, as incredulous as Ian was that she did not remember him as Benton’s dinner companion at Rocco’s that first night.

Especially since that is the night he had always said that he first fell in love with her.

What exciting story are you working on next?

The novel that I am working on now – Secrets of Worry Dolls – has evolved over the years since finishing Lemongrass Hope, and arises from my love of and fascination for Central America (part of the story takes place in Guatemala) … and also my love for a special gift I received as a child – a small box of worry dolls.

Secrets of Worry Dolls is about two sisters, Lu and Rae, and their mother, Mari, all of whom have very complicated relationships – made even more so by the secrets that will unfold throughout the book.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Well, for 13 years – as a corporate litigator – I was a professional writer, but I never really considered myself a “writer” until I finished the manuscript for Lemongrass Hope … and until I started actually saying the words out loud: “I am 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?
For the last year, I have been writing full-time alongside a host of volunteer activities and my other full-time job: mother of three. I write a little every day, but I try to clear my schedule a few days each week so that I can write for an interrupted 8-9 hours, but I’m laughing as I type that, because that’s almost impossible in the summertime.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know how interesting it is, but my kids often catch me talking to myself!

I spend a lot of time thinking about scenes before I actually put pen to paper.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lawyer AND a writer. But I thought that was impossible. Turns out, I was wrong!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Lots of people ask me how to get a book published and I always say – there are no shortcuts. You have to work hard, put the time in, and do your research. But it IS possible. If you really dream of writing a book … pursue that dream aggressively and persistently! Don’t wait until tomorrow.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Amazon

Thanks, Amy!

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Interview with rock music enthusiasts Staci Layne Wilson & Darren Gordon Smith

Two special guests, Staci Layne Wilson and Darren Gordon Smith are here today talking about their collection, Sex Death Rock N Roll: Short Stories.

Bios:

Staci Layne Wilson – is a screenwriter (Fembot, The Lincoln, 3AM in Hollywood), film director (Fetish Factory, Good Family Times), novelist, entertainment journalist, and a lifelong fan of guitar-driven rock music.

Darren Gordon Smith – is the writer & screenwriter, composer and co-creator of Repo! The Genetic Opera, an off-Broadway production and Lions Gate film; musician, author of Blurt: Verses & Curses, and a huge fan of many types of music, including classic and modern rock.

Welcome Staci & Darren. Please tell us about your current release.

SLW: Our back cover pretty much says it all… “Go behind the music and down the rabbit hole with five bizarre, outlandish, dark, droll, and just plain sacrilegious stories” – but something I can add is that Sex Death Rock N Roll was written by fans of classic rock for fans of the same. It’s very irreverent, so some sensitive readers might be offended – I mean, in one of my stories (Depraved Indifference) I describe several real-life musicians’ suicides in detail. But I don’t believe in pulling punches; when I tell a strong story, I go for it. Even if you don’t know Jim Morrison from Jim Bakker, I think you’ll still get a kick out of the book – the characters are multidimensional; it’s not just about them being musicians.

DGS: And, even if you don’t know your Jimi Hendrix from your jimmy, you’ll still get a kick out of Sex Death Rock N Roll. Our book is different from many other such sendups in that our characters include not only musicians, but also alcoholic rock critics, co-dependent families of rock’s royalty, and the inner lives of guitars. Though my story contributions to SDR&R are products of my imagination and my particular brand of mental “health”, they are also inspired by my real life experiences as a musician and composer.

What inspired you to write this book?

SLW: I started off with Depraved Indifference, and was just going to submit that as a novel to boutique book houses. But it was more of a novelette – that’s a nearly impossible length to sell to publishers. They either want short stories, novellas, or novels. But the story dictated its own word count and the tale unfolds and wraps up in its perfect time, so thanks to the ease of the internet and e-reading devices, I decided I’d roll it over into an anthology. As it turned out, one of my best friends, Darren, was on a short story binge of his own, so I asked him if he’d like to combine forces.

DGS: Yes, I was on a short story binge. And still am, too. But what really inspired me to want to contribute to SDR&R was reading SLW’s Depraved Indifference. I like music, writing, and SLW, so, when she asked me to be part of this anthology, I would have said yes anyway. But reading her story, with all its dark twists and turns, compelled me to get on board with the project.

What exciting project are you working on next?

SLW: Darren and I will next be working on a screenplay together, for a greenlit film I’m directing in 2016. It’s… you guessed it: on a rock n roll theme! As for the written word, my next is coming out at the end of summer, and it is a nonfiction e-book called The Movie That Changed My Life. It’s a collection of true accounts written by people from all walks, discussing a film that especially impacted them (positive, negative – or simply in some indelible way).

DGS: I’m looking forward to working with SLW on the new rock n roll themed movie. I am currently keeping my proverbial nose to the proverbial grindstone to complete Seward’s Fall, a collection of short stories loosely set in the fictional town of Seward. That book, which will be released in August 2015, includes stories about senior citizen terrorist groups, the unforeseen consequences of three-way sex, a director who wants to film his own assassination, parents who are trying to kick their 30 year old son out of the house, and a young man who takes dating advice from his dead mom’s post-mortem emails.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

SLW: I’ve been a writer since I was a kid. My mother, Nancy Bacon, was a working novelist and magazine editor throughout my entire childhood, and it just felt very natural to me. I began making my own “chapbooks” with typing paper and staples when I was five or six years old, fully illustrated, and I had my first article published in a national magazine at 12. My novels have run the gamut from YA to horror, but my favorite genres to write are psychological suspense and dark humor.

DGS: I too have been a writer – and a songwriter – since childhood. My adventures (and sometimes misadventures!) into other creative media like photography and acting, have all been grist for my fiction writing mill.

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?

SLW: Yes, I write full time. In addition to screenplays, I also blog for several websites – mainly movie reviews and pop culture editorials. I haven’t had to punch a time clock in over 15 years, and I love the freelance life. Although I do work harder, and many more hours than my former office-drone self, I have never looked back and never been happier. Fortunately, I’m extremely disciplined and I’ve never missed a deadline. Aside from writing, I direct films, shorts and music videos – it’s a very creative, and collaborative, process quite unlike writing… but I enjoy it nearly as much.

DGS: I write creatively least three hours per day. On good days – i.e., days when I have a creative spark and I don’t have any other adult responsibilities (bills! Phone calls! Parenthood!) – I write all day. I also write every day, more or less non-creatively, as an attorney. Of course, I use the terms “creative” and “non-creative” loosely, since all of us are creative, if only to the extent that all of us – with the possible exception of Russell Crowe – form our own words and sentences. (I’m kidding about Mr. Crowe – no phone throwing, please.)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

SLW: I usually manage to work in the famous “27 Club” into everything I write… I find it a fascinating phenomenon.

DGS: As a variation on SLW’s quirk, I think I’ll try to work in Pat Robertson’s “700 Club” into everything I write from now on. Among my long-standing quirks might be the inclusion of the fictional rock star Rhys Weedham (my pre-Russell Brandian English alter-ego) into a half-dozen stories or songs.

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

SLW: A writer, always. And a horse-trainer (which I was, for quite a long time).

DGS: When I was in kindergarten our assignment was to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. One kid, without any explanation, drew a picture of a lightbulb. (Hey, kid, if you’re out there, I hope you achieved lightbulb-hood when you grew up.) For my part, I colored my best drawing of Mr. Steed from The Avengers, because my professional ambition at that time was to become a secret agent. Over the years, I wanted to be a U.S. Senator, a professional trumpeter and a guitar hero (the real kind: I didn’t want to be a video game sensation of the early 2000s). I guess I’m a Walter Mitty-ish kind of guy. The great thing about writing is that I can live vicariously through all the characters I create. I can be an alcoholic music critic, an actor who blows his head off on stage, a blackmailed lawyer, or a human pet to a bunch of grouchy aliens (all stories I’ve written) and enjoy every last mortal minute of it.

Links:

Staci’s Website | Darren’s Website | Staci on Twitter | Darren on Twitter | Staci on Instagram

Thank you for the interview, today!

Interview with urban fantasy author Judy Teel

Urban fantasy author Judy Teel joins us today to chat about her newest novel, Savage Magic.

As she does a virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions, Judy will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn person. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Judy Teel was born in Virginia and moved to North Carolina just before middle school. She's a fiction author and novelist writing in the dystopian urban fantasy genre. Her stories deliver mystery with some thriller elements, a kick-butt heroine with a large dash of snark in her, a bit more than a touch of romance with a guy that makes readers' hearts beat a little faster, and a wild ride full of action and emotion from start to finish.

Shifty Magic is permanently free on all platforms and Undercover Magic is free as a thank you gift for anyone who signs up on my readers list. 

Welcome, Judy. Please tell us about your current release.
In this adventure, Addison uses her PI skills to uncover the cause of a mysterious pandemic that’s decimating Cooper’s Clan and inadvertently calls forth an immortal monster bred to destroy the paranormal races protecting humanity.

What inspired you to write this book?

Savage Magic is the third book in this five-book series and continues the story of Addison Kittner kicking butt and taking names as she uncovers her secret heritage. It’s also the midpoint in Addison’s and Cooper’s story arch.

Excerpt from Savage Magic:
Directly across from us, the gates of Hell rose up — the doorway to Cooper’s hometown, so to speak.

Thirty-foot high stone walls stretched to the right and left until they curved out of sight. Standing between were the gates, made entirely of bones. Thick bones of varying prehistoric-level sizes that looked like they’d come from animals that had died out thousands of years ago, if they had ever existed outside of a fantasy book.

Two nasty looking Weres stood on guard duty, a female who looked like she ate scrap metal and pooped nails, and a bald guy who was built like a professional wrestler, or maybe a bull. His shaved head was covered with tribal tattoos that ran down his neck and over his arms to his wrists and he glowered at me as he stepped aside to let us pass.

Huge and sweeping, the Bone Clan fortress looked like it was designed to withstand a lifetime of sieges without batting an eye. And it was nothing compared to the sheer face of the mountain at its back and the three tiers carved into it.

“Welcome to Cha’dana.” Bald Guy shoved me in the middle of the back, forcing me to stumble forward. “Keep moving.” 

The wind swept down from the cliff and rushed over us, sending a chill of apprehension across my skin. At least twelve times the height of the tallest building I’d ever seen in the city, the stronghold was beautiful, inspiring and terrifying all at the same time.

So much for finding safe haven with Cooper’s Clan.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m currently working on Secret Magic, a novella that tells the story of Addison’s and Cooper’s first case. It’s been a lot of fun to write. Very signature Addison!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I reached 2,000 copies sold of my very first book on Amazon, I considered myself truly a professional writer. I knew then that people I didn’t know (yet!) were buying my books. But all the years leading up to that, I still thought of myself as a writer. I think novelists are born wired to create characters and stories. I sure was.

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?
Writing is my career, yes, but I can’t in good conscience claim full-time since I typically work anywhere from 3 to 7 hours a day. The exception to that is when I have a deadline crunch and then I warn the family, hide in my office, and put in 10-12 hour days for a couple weeks. I usually work seven days a week though, which makes up for family demands like appointments and errands. A typical day for me during the school year is getting up at 5:30, making sure our high schooler catches the bus, and then doing a mix of writing and taking care of business matters until about 3:00 in the afternoon. It never feels like work to me, though. I love what I’m doing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love having toys on my desk. No idea why, but I do. I have a couple of Minions in hula skirts, my tape dispenser is shaped like a cat, and I have a chibi stuffed Tigger that I’ll toss from hand to hand when I lean back in my chair to think about solutions to a plot or character problem. I also have an anti-gravity chair that I’ll relax in to meditate if I’m really stuck about something. It never ceases to amaze me how the perfect idea will bubble up after I relax for a few minutes.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A cowboy. I think part of me still kind of hopes that will happen.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thanks for stopping by and for giving your time to the Shifty Magic series! I’m very thankful for all of you.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author’s Page

Thank you, Judy!

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Interview with sci-fi fantasy author Perrin Pring

Welcome, readers. Today’s special guest is Perrin Pring who is doing a virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the sci-fi fantasy trilogy, The Ryo Myths.

During her tour, Perrin will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky, randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Perrin is the author of The Ryo Myths, a sci-fi/fantasy trilogy that has been heralded to engage both nerds and non-nerds alike. Check out her books on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. When not writing, Perrin enjoys drinking coffee and swimming, although usually not at the same time.

Welcome, Perrin. Please tell us about your current releases, the trilogy known as The Ryo Myths.

The Ryo Myths consists of book one, Appointment at the Edge of Forever, book two, Tomorrow is Too Late, and the final book, The Degrees of Destiny. The Ryo Myths is science fiction, and it follows the crew of the space ship the Dark Horse, as they attempt to find and protect, Ryo, the last Chozen. In The Ryo Myths, the universe is in danger of being enslaved by an evil group of gods. The universe’s benevolent gods created the Chozen, beings with all the powers of the gods, to fight the evil gods. The problem is there is only one Chozen left, Ryo, but she’s not always sane, as her godly knowledge often overwhelms her. The crew of the Dark Horse are Ryo’s unlikely saviors, but they rise to the challenge.

What inspired you to write this trilogy?
When I started working on The Ryo Myths, I was reading Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, which is a fantasy epic, and I was watching a lot of Stargate SG-1. The Wheel of Time series focuses on magic, while Stargate SG-1 focuses on ‘science’. I wanted to write a series where both magic and science exist. What came of that desire were the books in The Ryo Myths.

Excerpt from book one, Appointment at the Edge of Forever:

She barreled blindly through the forest, not knowing where she was going, only that she had to go. She had to get away, away from whom she didn’t know, but she had to move. They were watching her.

Memories flooded through her. She was on a ship, she was in a car, she was healing the sick, she was giving orders, she was lost. These memories weren’t hers, yet they felt so natural. They felt so real. It was her, Ryo, in those memories, but she couldn’t recall any of them any more than one could truly recall a dream.

She stopped running. Her side ached from the exertion, and her right leg still bled painfully. She peeled back the dark, sticky dress. The cut was deep. It wasn’t going to heal on its own. Then the bubbling came back.

Her hands moved over her leg, and she gasped. The bubbling grew, the hotness, the confidence, the power; all of it came back. She closed her eyes and the pain peaked, then it was gone. She waited several breaths, and then finally opened her eyes. Other than the dried blood and torn dress, one would never have known her leg had been injured. The skin was flawless without even a hint of a scar. She looked at her hands. She had known exactly where to put them. It was as if she had done this every day of her life...

She stood up and quickly sat back down. Her legs shook, and her breathing was ragged. What was happening to her?

Who was she?

Excerpt from book 2, Tomorrow is Too Late:

This was the last thing she needed right now. Captain Eri sat on the bridge, her focus on the minefield of asteroids surrounding her ship. She jabbed at the keyboard on the Dark Horse’s control panel. They’d cleared Bok’s atmosphere nearly ten hours ago, and according to her maps, they weren’t near an asteroid belt now. This didn’t make any sense. These asteroids hadn’t been here a week ago when they’d passed through this exact bit of space. What was going on?

“They’re getting more concentrated,” Captain Eri breathed.

She was right. Not only were large chunks of rock and ice hurtling past them, but now small bits of rock and debris pelted the ship as well, the black nothingness of space becoming ever more thick and hazy. Then suddenly, the horizon cleared. The dusty mist, the asteroids, all of it was gone.

 “What the…” Red said.

The ship started to shake.

“We’re being pulled…” Captain Eri said, as the ship bucked beneath them.

Wiq stared out the window. With each new bump a colorful cloud enveloped them. It was like they were skipping across a planet’s outer atmosphere…

Wiq jerked her eyes from the explosions of color and concentrated beyond them. She focused on the blackness, and then she saw it.

“This is no regular asteroid field,” she breathed.

“Oh Gods,” Captain Eri said, her eyes dilating. “That’s a planet.”

Excerpt from book three, The Degrees of Destiny:

And that, Captain Eri realized, was the crux of the issue. He’d taken her trust, and she wanted it back. She wanted to share it. She wanted to share it with him. Deep down, she hoped that she would wake from this nightmare to find him on her step, ready to take her on that date she’d wished for for two years. She wanted to believe that she could be fixed, that he’d come home, that this wasn’t her life…

But that wasn’t going to happen. There was no going back, ever. What he’d taken from her was irreplaceable, but… Suddenly, it was no longer elusive.

She leaned back and spun the chair so she could see out of the bridge’s windows. She felt, not okay, but aware. It was as if all of the pieces had finally snapped into place, and now the puzzle was clear.

He had her trust, but not her life. What she did with her life was up to her. She just had to decide in which direction to move.

Did she stay where she was, or did she move forward?

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m currently working on a stand-alone book that revolves around time traveling for food. It takes place on earth and is somewhat more accessible, for those who don’t yet know they like sci-fi, than the Ryo Myths. It’s a love story. Check out my blog for updates on its progress!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think the point at which I first considered myself ‘a writer’ was when I realized I wasn’t going to stop writing, even if I never got published. It was after college, I was spending a lot of time writing a novel that never got published, but I knew then that I couldn’t stop writing, even if I wanted to. Every time I’d try to hang up my pen, I’d find myself back at the computer a few days later, working on my latest idea. That was when I first truly acknowledged myself to be what I was - 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 don’t write full time, but up until a few months ago, I was primarily a seasonal worker, which meant I didn’t work for several months each winter. In those ‘work-free’ months I would do most of my writing. Now that I have a year around job, I’m going to have to re-work my writing schedule, but I’m not too worried about it. If I know anything about myself, it’s that I always end up making time to write. It’ll balance itself out, even though I won’t be able to finish products as quickly as I once was able to. I imagine I will spend most of my winter weekends writing and probably a few evenings each week as well.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know how quirky it is, but I have my computer read my novels aloud. I also read my novels aloud myself. Hearing myself and a machine read my prose really helps me better my syntax and cadence. It’s also great for editing, hearing the computer read it, because you know when you’ve over used a word or completely marred a sentence. The computer doesn’t read you what you wanted to write, it reads you what you wrote. I recommend everyone have their computer read them their novel, it’s a great way to better your self-editing.

What a great idea! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a writer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I hope you enjoy the Ryo Myths! They’re a quick fun read!

Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | G+

Thank you, Perrin!

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Interview with novelist Susan G. Weidener

I have novelist Susan G.Weidener here today chatting about her newest book: A Portrait of Love and Honor: A Novel Based On a True Story.

Bio:

Susan G. Weidener is a former journalist with The Philadelphia Inquirer. She left journalism in 2007 and wrote and published her memoir, Again in a Heartbeat, a memoir of love, loss and dating again, about being widowed at a young age. Two years later, she wrote and published its sequel, Morning at Wellington Square, a woman’s search for passion and renewal in middle age. Her debut novel, A Portrait of Love and Honor, completes the trilogy, inspired by and dedicated to her late husband, John M. Cavalieri, on whose memoir A Portrait of Love and Honor is based. She lives in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

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

A Portrait of Love and Honor takes place in 1993 when Jay Scioli approaches author and editor Ava Stuart to edit his memoir about his years as a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point during the Vietnam War. She is newly-divorced . . . while she has a willing heart, she steels herself against more disappointment in love . . . until she meets Jay. His story strikes a chord in her and their connection is almost immediate. Jay is a man who has said good-bye to innocence, the U.S. Army, and corporate America. He is drawn to the striking and successful Ava.  Facing one setback after another, their love embraces friendship, crisis, dignity, disillusionment. Their love story reflects a reason for living in the face of life’s unexpected events.

What inspired you to write this book?

I loved my husband very much. For years his unpublished memoir sat in the closet. From time to time, I would pull it out and reread it. I knew I wanted to find an audience for his work; the question . . . how?

John, Class of ’71, USMA, wrote about his years as a cadet at West Point and his battle with cancer, before his death in 1994. John’s pen name was Jay Scioli. I always felt his memoir both compelling and beautifully written. The publication of A Portrait of Love and Honor, which is written in first and third person, and is a combination of memoir and fiction, is the result and culmination of a long-held dream to see his story reach readers.

Excerpt from A Portrait of Love and Honor:

After we arrived in Manhattan, we immediately headed for the one place cadets had been told to avoid – Forty-Second Street. What a scene we must have cut as we strolled down the avenue in our dress gray uniforms, gray hats covering our closely-shaved heads. Out of place, yes, but in a strange way we complemented the vendors, porno hustlers and street people; all of us melding into the great American mainstream. We stopped into the first bar we saw and ordered a few beers. Suddenly we had a personal game plan – take the subway to Greenwich Village.

We walked through Washington Square, home of the famous “Beat Generation.” I had read Jack Kerouac over the summer while lying in my bunk at Buckner and had tried to identity with that feeling of being free to do anything I wanted – although in reality my life bore no resemblance whatsoever to this new lifestyle of the sixties. We walked past shops and cafés, smelled incense and listened to the sounds of Jefferson Airplane and the Beatles wafting out of bars and head shops. Suddenly, a voice called to us from a doorway. “Hey war mongers, get outta here.” We didn’t stop walking, just looked over and saw two men with shoulder-length hair leaning against a brick wall, laughing at us in our uniforms and spit-shined shoes. They waved, then flashed us the peace sign. Bill flashed them a sign, too; half a peace sign.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Another love story . . . TBA

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I guess it was when I received an ‘A’ in my creative writing class at American University from a professor who used to be a journalist for the now-defunct Washington Star. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way! After graduation from college, I landed my first paying job as a reporter on a suburban weekly newspaper in my hometown. I got to cover, of all things, the filming of the movie Taps starring two unknowns – Sean Penn and Tom Cruise. It was like – I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this. I would have done it for free.

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?

Since I left the newspaper, I’ve worked fulltime as a writer and editor. In the last five years, I’ve published two memoirs and the novel – along with an anthology of short stories and poems written by my group, the Women’s Writing Circle. In addition, I teach writing workshops and act as a writing coach. I also publish a weekly blog and market my books through social media and at community events and book signings. There’s not a whole lot of time left over after that.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t think I have any quirks. As a former journalist, I’m very deadline-oriented. When I have a writing project, I tend to get right to it. I let it percolate for a while, come back to it and then revise. I enjoy long walks with my dog, Lily, a yellow Lab . . . as a way to relax, ponder and jumpstart writing ideas and projects.

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

Ever since I read Gone With the Wind, I wanted to be a writer. I loved romantic stories . . . and stories about women, their lives, their passions, hopes and dreams. The book The Women’s Room by Marilyn French changed my life. I kept thinking, ‘this is what I want to do . . . write a book like this, something that matters, that is important and has a message.’ But I had to make a living, raise two sons on my own . . . and journalism was the best way to get paid to write. It would be many years before I could work on writing books.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

My hope is that my books give readers something to think about, something they can apply to their own lives . . . lessons learned. And I’m grateful for each and every reader who takes a chance on my books. I love hearing from my readers and I can be reached at susanweidener711@gmail.com Thank you for offering me this opportunity to talk about A Portrait of Love and Honor.

Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon

Thank you, Susan!

David Berner talks about How the Story of Your Pet Can Tell Your Story

Today’s guest is David W. Berner. He’s doing a virtual book tour for There’s a Hamster in the Dashboard: A Life in Pets. And talks a little bit about that as well as shares a guest post titled “How the Story of Your Pet Can Tell Your Story”.

About the author: 

David W. Berner is a journalist, broadcaster, teacher, and author of two award-winning books: Accidental Lessons, which earned the Royal Dragonfly Grand Prize for Literature, and Any Road Will Take You There, which was a Grand Prize Finalist for the 2015 Hoffer Award for Books. Berner’s stories have been published in a number of literary magazines and journals, and his broadcast reporting and audio documentaries have aired on the CBS Radio Network and dozens of public radio stations across America. He teaches at Columbia College Chicago.

 

How the Story of Your Pet Can Tell Your Story by David W. Berner

I did not want to write a sappy story. I didn’t have a sappy life, I thought, so a sappy story would not do. But this story was about a dying dog? Aren’t those stories supposed to be sappy? Dripping with sentiment? Mushy?

Then I considered what I was really writing about. It wasn’t about the death of a dog but rather about death itself, how we deal with it, how we cope, and what death means in the scheme of life. That was my story, the bigger picture. This was the true, authentic narrative.

There’s a Hamster in the Dashboard: A Life in Pets is a collection of personal stories about pets—my pets, the pets my children had. But it’s far more than that. These are stories that show how pets catch all of us being utterly human. And so when I wrote the first piece for the collection—“Burying Dogs”—the story of a friend’s dying soft-coated retriever, all the dogs that had died before it, and how my parents had dealt with the death of pets by burying all of them, every single one of them, under the turf in our backyard, I quickly realized the story was not at all about the sadness and the tragedy of dead pets. The story was about my life, my family and how death is part of every life, all our lives.

We may write the facts of a story but what we want to reveal in these personal essays is far deeper. In between the lines of fact-based narratives are the real emotions, the very human stories of who we truly are. As writers we must shine a light in the crevices so the reader can see a story’s true significance. This is how a creative nonfiction writer or a memoirist tells a greater, more nuanced tale, a most authentic story.

With the help of my publisher during the drafting stages, I worked the words of the essays in this collection to uncover something bigger than the story itself. It didn’t have to be profound; it just had to be real and honest. It had to tell my story, divulge a deeper truth about me. That’s what personal essays do, and threading in a good pet story could only help to disclose even more of my reality.  

The collection includes stories about dogs, cats, a squirrel, a spider, a reptile, a found turtle, even ants. There are tales of tragedy, regret, and mistakes made. But there are also stories about the love of a parent, the scourge of prejudice, and even the ache of longing. Every pet I have owned carried with it a chapter of my life. With each one I shared a level of curiosity, love, and a touch of melancholy. Not unlike the relationships I’ve had with family, friends, and lovers. Every pet, like every person has brought with it highs and lows, conflict and resolution, loss and discovery—all elements of a good story, my story and yours.

Links:
Print or e-book: Amazon
Print copy only: Dream of Things