Please join me in welcoming, multi-published, Mystery writer Susan Whitfield. Thank you for joining me today, Susan. Help yourself to a brownie, sit back and relax, and tell our visitors a little about yourself.
I am married with two married sons and three grandsons. We all live in eastern North Carolina within seven miles of each other, so that’s fantastic. I was an English teacher for thirteen years and a high school principal for seventeen years, writing my doctoral dissertation in 1995. Once I completed that, I knew my heart was really in fiction.
How did you get started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?
I’ve been writing since I was a little kid, always saying that one day I would write a book. I never really got serious about it until high school. I still have a 40-page outline for a mystery somewhere in my desk. After family and career duties slowed, I got down to business in 2004. I knew I wanted a smart, quirky female to investigate murders, and I wanted to set my book in my home state of North Carolina. Once I personally edited Genesis Beach 47 times, I began the queries, often getting rejections so fast no one could have possibly read the pages I sent. Even though I did my research and queried only mystery agents, I got nowhere. The journey was difficult and when writer’s block nearly did me in, I self-published it with iUniverse and finally moved on with the second novel, Just North of Luck. Fortunately I learned that some publishers would accept queries without an agent, and L&L Dreamspell published Just North of Luck and Hell Swamp.
Tell us more about this intriguing mystery series.
The Logan Hunter Mystery series was born by consequence. I started Just North of Luck when Logan kept presenting me with more adventures than I could put into one book. As I said, she’s gutsy and sometimes bends the rules to extreme, but she always solves the case. I like her because of her human-ness. She makes mistakes, second guesses herself often, but always stays focused on seeing that justice prevails. She interns at Genesis Beach under the watchful and suspicious eye of the police chief, then heads to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to join forces with local law enforcement and catch a serial killer in Just North of Luck. I take her back to my childhood home near Black River to solve a heinous murder in Hell Swamp. Gator Creek, which will be released in 2010, forces Logan back to the coast, specifically Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. The growing number of readers and fans tell me they like Logan. I’m so proud of her.
It sounds like a great series. I’m definitely adding them to my TBR list. Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
I generally begin by writing snippets of ideas, people, personalities, flaws, etc. and write a tentative character sketch for each person, from protagonist to minor characters. I then place them inside a box that I’ve labeled with a tentative title. I collect whatever research is needed and just start writing. I normally begin with some sort of sketchy outline which is seldom followed, but it does help me get started. I prefer the character sketches to a typical outline. Then the characters take over and drive the plot. By the way, my setting is also a character. I want the reader to feel the humidity, brush off the snow, smell the fear. Once the book is nearly complete, I outline again to make certain I haven’t lost my way. Sometimes I end up deleting scenes or chapters or characters at this point. Then it all makes sense.
In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?
I have a fairly strong web presence and try to maintain that presence even though it’s time-consuming. I network with other writers all over the world and have a blog site where I interview writers of all genres. It promotes them and my work as well. I’ve done blog talk radio shows, local radio and TV shows, and readings and signings. I enjoy all of these events and hope to continue with them. Most are free and I find that writers tend to help each other. I love that!
What is one of the most memorable things that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author?
The library in the county I grew up in hosted a book signing when Genesis Beach was released. When the doors opened and over seventy people piled into the room, I nearly cried. I recognized many of them from my childhood. Over sixty folks bought autographed books. That was so awesome!
That would be awesome! Okay, inquiring minds want to know what snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
Warm homemade cookies. Unfortunately I prefer those to carrots and apples. lol
What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
Write with passion and abandon. Edit carefully. Never give up!
That’s very sound advice, Susan. Tell us where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?
I recently set up my website, so that folks can order my books there and have them personally autographed. Of course, they’re available at other online stores and brick and mortar stores as well but without the autograph.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just North of Luck won The Covey Book Cover Award for “Most Artistic Cover” and Hell Swamp has just won the Books In Sync “Video Book Trailer Award”. I interview authors at my blog and have just started compiling a cookbook of recipes from mystery writers, called Killer Recipes. I invite all mystery writers to submit a few recipes for the book along with their names, titles of books, and their websites. It’s another great, free, fun way to promote! Just email them to me at ssn.whitfield@gmail.com
I appreciate the opportunity to chat with you, Anne. I’m looking forward to turning the tables on you on January 4th. I wish you and everyone else an inspiring and meaningful Christmas!
Thank you Susan! I’m looking forward to your Killer Recipes cookbook and visiting your blog. It’s been fun today. I’m so glad you joined me. And I really like the sound of your books. They’re right up my alley. I’m definitely putting them at the top of my Christmas list! Do you hear that Santa?
Merry Christmas everyone!
MY TITLES
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Romance Author Christine Young
Please join me in welcoming multi-published author, Christine Young. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you. Thank you for joining me today Christine! Do help yourself to some of my brownies and Chocolate Chip cookies. Then sit back, relax, and tell our visitors a little about yourself?
How did you get started in writing?
My mother in law introduced me to my first romance book which I immediately fell in love with. I had never read romance before and luckily the book I read was written by a fabulous author. As I read more, her attic was full of romance books, I discovered that I had truly found a genre I loved, but I also discovered that they were not all as well written as the first one I read. Like many newbies I thought I could write a better novel. Little did I know how much work went into writing one. I became a closet writer, not admitting to anyone what I was doing. I was trying to type on my old (yes) college typewriter. I finally admitted to what I was trying to do. My husband brought home a computer for me to use and the rest is history.
I hear you have a couple of new releases. Will you tell us about them?
November 15th is the release date of the last novel in my Dakota's Bride series Forever His. This is the story about Jacob St. John and Etta Barringer, both Pinkerton agents in the late 1800's. Jacob was introduced in the first book and Etta in The Locket which was the third book. The couple has a long history of love and betrayal. After many hardships and trials that test their love they find happiness. Forever His has received a 5 heart review from Night Owl Romance. To read the entire review go to: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5007
The Wager will be released by Awe-struck at the end of November. It is the second book in a series beginning with the story of Allura. The concept began with the idea of the fairytale about the 12 dancing princesses and the father who did not know where they went each night. This is a story of 12 young women all related as sisters or cousins. Amorica's tale takes her from her home in Eastern England near the Scottish border to London and then on to America; set in the regency period. To read a couple excerpts of this book go to: http://aidansmisadventures.blogspot.com/
Where did you come up with the concept for your stories?
The concept for my stories come from all walks of life. I talk a lot to myself and sometimes they come from those inner conversations. Sometimes they come from brainstorming with co-writers or books I have read. I was in Scotland and England two years ago and bought a book about haunted castles. I am dying to write a haunted castle story. Unfortunately, at the moment I am too busy with a million other projects. Once I retire, I fully intend to spend more time writing.
Say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
Not very much. I do a lot of character work before I start a book. I know the character from when they are born to the present. I know everything about their likes and dislikes, how they will react when presented with a certain type of situation. Then I plot one scene at a time. I start with an introductory idea and then an ending to the scene. Something that will keep the reader turning pages. I have found that my characters dictate the direction the book will go. If I plot the entire book before writing it, I have wasted time because it never turns out the way I plotted it.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?
My favorite book is the first book I ever wrote. But as it stands it is unpublishable. It is my favorite I guess because it was my first. Right now my favorites are Allura, Forever His, and Safari Moon. I tend to fall in love with all my heroes and heroines. I love Jacob St. John in Forever His, maybe because I just finished editing the story. And Etta is a feisty heroine everyone will love.
What do you like to do for fun? Any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?
I have many hobbies. I like to Jazzercise with my friends and three years ago I trained for a marathon with my walking partner. We walked the distance in 6 hours and I think we both have ideas of training again and improving our time. I love to paint watercolors but haven't really had time for that lately. When my kids were small I drew color pencil portraits of them. Now that I'm a grandmother (as of Nov. 13th) I suppose I'm going to break out the pencils again. I also love to swim and have coached a high school swim team for the last 14 years. All my books have some sort of swimming scene in them.
What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
LOL I don’t really have a snack that I keep nearby. Cheese and crackers or chips are my favorite snack foods, but I joined Weight Watchers last April and have lost 32 pounds. So those snacks are gone from the desk since I don't plan on gaining the weight back.
Wow! 32lbs. That’s great. Congratulations! Okay, now for a little fun! Let’s pretend for a minute that you are stranded on a deserted island. What are three things you’d miss most or want with you on the island? This can include people, but you can’t have Matthew McConaughey because he’s already on my island *big grin*.
I might have grabbed Mathew but since you already have him, I'd probably go for someone more age appropriate to me like Mark Harmon. He's a cutie and his grin is infectious. On the darker side since I do tend to like dark alpha type heroes I'd go with Aragon from Lord of the Rings (Vigo Mortinson, I'm not sure of the spelling). I'm not really into the acting scene and who plays what. I got the name from my daughter. I'd miss my family and close friends. I suppose all counted that would add up to three.
What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals. Goal setting is the key to success in whatever a person chooses to do. If you really want to succeed at writing, find a support group and good critique partners.
Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?Books can be purchased at Awe-struck Publishing and Rouge Phoenix Press. I have three blogs and a website: Aidans Misadventures, Christine Young-Romance Writer, Rogues Angels and my website.
Thank you for joining me today, Christine. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and hearing about your wonderful books.
How did you get started in writing?
My mother in law introduced me to my first romance book which I immediately fell in love with. I had never read romance before and luckily the book I read was written by a fabulous author. As I read more, her attic was full of romance books, I discovered that I had truly found a genre I loved, but I also discovered that they were not all as well written as the first one I read. Like many newbies I thought I could write a better novel. Little did I know how much work went into writing one. I became a closet writer, not admitting to anyone what I was doing. I was trying to type on my old (yes) college typewriter. I finally admitted to what I was trying to do. My husband brought home a computer for me to use and the rest is history.
I hear you have a couple of new releases. Will you tell us about them?
November 15th is the release date of the last novel in my Dakota's Bride series Forever His. This is the story about Jacob St. John and Etta Barringer, both Pinkerton agents in the late 1800's. Jacob was introduced in the first book and Etta in The Locket which was the third book. The couple has a long history of love and betrayal. After many hardships and trials that test their love they find happiness. Forever His has received a 5 heart review from Night Owl Romance. To read the entire review go to: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5007
The Wager will be released by Awe-struck at the end of November. It is the second book in a series beginning with the story of Allura. The concept began with the idea of the fairytale about the 12 dancing princesses and the father who did not know where they went each night. This is a story of 12 young women all related as sisters or cousins. Amorica's tale takes her from her home in Eastern England near the Scottish border to London and then on to America; set in the regency period. To read a couple excerpts of this book go to: http://aidansmisadventures.blogspot.com/
Where did you come up with the concept for your stories?
The concept for my stories come from all walks of life. I talk a lot to myself and sometimes they come from those inner conversations. Sometimes they come from brainstorming with co-writers or books I have read. I was in Scotland and England two years ago and bought a book about haunted castles. I am dying to write a haunted castle story. Unfortunately, at the moment I am too busy with a million other projects. Once I retire, I fully intend to spend more time writing.
Say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
Not very much. I do a lot of character work before I start a book. I know the character from when they are born to the present. I know everything about their likes and dislikes, how they will react when presented with a certain type of situation. Then I plot one scene at a time. I start with an introductory idea and then an ending to the scene. Something that will keep the reader turning pages. I have found that my characters dictate the direction the book will go. If I plot the entire book before writing it, I have wasted time because it never turns out the way I plotted it.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?
My favorite book is the first book I ever wrote. But as it stands it is unpublishable. It is my favorite I guess because it was my first. Right now my favorites are Allura, Forever His, and Safari Moon. I tend to fall in love with all my heroes and heroines. I love Jacob St. John in Forever His, maybe because I just finished editing the story. And Etta is a feisty heroine everyone will love.
What do you like to do for fun? Any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?
I have many hobbies. I like to Jazzercise with my friends and three years ago I trained for a marathon with my walking partner. We walked the distance in 6 hours and I think we both have ideas of training again and improving our time. I love to paint watercolors but haven't really had time for that lately. When my kids were small I drew color pencil portraits of them. Now that I'm a grandmother (as of Nov. 13th) I suppose I'm going to break out the pencils again. I also love to swim and have coached a high school swim team for the last 14 years. All my books have some sort of swimming scene in them.
What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
LOL I don’t really have a snack that I keep nearby. Cheese and crackers or chips are my favorite snack foods, but I joined Weight Watchers last April and have lost 32 pounds. So those snacks are gone from the desk since I don't plan on gaining the weight back.
Wow! 32lbs. That’s great. Congratulations! Okay, now for a little fun! Let’s pretend for a minute that you are stranded on a deserted island. What are three things you’d miss most or want with you on the island? This can include people, but you can’t have Matthew McConaughey because he’s already on my island *big grin*.
I might have grabbed Mathew but since you already have him, I'd probably go for someone more age appropriate to me like Mark Harmon. He's a cutie and his grin is infectious. On the darker side since I do tend to like dark alpha type heroes I'd go with Aragon from Lord of the Rings (Vigo Mortinson, I'm not sure of the spelling). I'm not really into the acting scene and who plays what. I got the name from my daughter. I'd miss my family and close friends. I suppose all counted that would add up to three.
What advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals. Goal setting is the key to success in whatever a person chooses to do. If you really want to succeed at writing, find a support group and good critique partners.
Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?Books can be purchased at Awe-struck Publishing and Rouge Phoenix Press. I have three blogs and a website: Aidans Misadventures, Christine Young-Romance Writer, Rogues Angels and my website.
Thank you for joining me today, Christine. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and hearing about your wonderful books.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
More Author Interviews to Come!
In the past couple of months I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some wonderfully talented, bestselling, and award-winning authors on Suspense by Anne. I’ve had so much fun doing it I’ve decided to keep it up. After posting a plea for volunteers, I’ve lined up a boatload of authors willing to come and share their stories to publication and news about upcoming releases. I’ve even landed a couple of publishers who are going to share their experiences. To begin the new line up of exceptional talent is one of my publishers, Christine Young from Rogue Phoenix Press. She’ll be here on Monday the 14th to tell us about her new release. Following her will be Susan Whitfield, author of the Logan Hunter Mystery Series; EPPIE winner Mike Ryan; Sweet Romance author Cindy Green; Jane Toombs – author of over 80 (yes I said eighty) published books from assorted genres; multi-published author, Donna Fawcett, who writes fiction under the pen name Donna Dawson. She is also a creative writing instructor for Fanshawe College in London, Ontario; Desert Breeze Publishing’s very own co-owner and Editor-In-Chief, Gail Delaney; historical romance author, Celia Yeary, and that’s just to name a few. So be sure to check back often. You never know who I’ll have on here. I wonder if I could talk Stephen King into an interview…hummmm…oh Stephen ya got a minute?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Interview of author, Michelle Sutton
Please join me in welcoming multi-published, award-winning, and best-selling author, Michelle Sutton. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you. Thank you for joining me today Michelle! Do help yourself to some of my brownies and Chocolate Chip cookies (They’re calorie free!). Then sit back, relax, and tell our visitors a little about yourself.
How did you get started in writing?
I've always been a reader, so one day I just decided to sit down and write an inspirational romance novel. What had me stirred up to do this was talking (via e-mail) to Love Inspired author Cynthia Rutledge. She started writing when her kids went to college. I started writing (because of her encouragement) in August of 2003 and I've been writing ever since.
I hear you have a couple of new releases. Will you tell us about them?
The books recently released are It's Not About Him (sequel to It's Not about Me) from Sheaf House. These are paperback books. The other release is my romantic suspense e-book, Danger at the Door. I also have an inspirational cowboy romance releasing in January 2010 called First Impressions. It's the first book in my Tombstone series.
Where did you come up with the concept for your stories?
From life and ideas that the Lord has put on my heart and in my mind.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?
That would be like asking me if I had a favorite kid. Not answering that one about my books.
Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
I think about it for several months, and when I get the muse I start writing. I never plot a thing on paper. It's all in my mind.
You’re also the founder of the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers website, a great place for authors to mingle with one another and their readers, and to post news about their books. Can you tell us a little about it?
I started the site http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com to create a safe place for Christians and writers who like edgy Christian fiction to talk about books and writing without restrictions of any kind. It's a great way to learn from each other and to share news. It seems to be a hit as people post all the time and there are over 500 members.
In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?
Make a name for yourself where people know who you are and what you stand for. People who have read my books know I love to write sizzling romantic scenes and that I also love to get deep into faith issues and stuff like that. I have done this through blogs, interviews, contests, tours, my own website, other networking sites, facebook, etc. But to do this you have to have a consistent product. People hear Michelle Sutton and they know what to expect when they read something with that name on it. It's called branding. Because people get hooked on an author's voice more than individual stories. That's why people will have favorite authors.
What is one of the most memorable thing’s that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author (for example: an awesome book signing or that one email you received from a reader that really made your day)?
I had an out of town book signing where some young adults approached me all giggly because they met me in person. I've had that happen in several cities, actually. That's kind of endearing. I've also had several teens tell me they've read my book three or more times. I think that's great!
Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?
Hmmm…I am too busy writing to be unusually engaged in another hobby. How about some fun facts…? I collect autographed books. Last year I reviewed 97 books. I hate driving. I'm addicted to gourmet coffees of any kind. I despise cooking. And up until I bought my new car this past February I haven't pumped my own gas or changed my oil in about ten years. I have a good hubby. I don't let him touch my new car, though. He has his own vehicles to trash :-)
What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
Either chocolate or ice cream. Both are guaranteed to make me fat. Right now I'm eating a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I'm so busted…
Okay, let’s pretend for a minute that you are stranded on a deserted island. What are three things you’d miss most or want with you on the island? This can include people, but you can’t have Matthew McConaughey because he’s already on my island *big grin*.
I'd miss my husband and kids most. But if I were a heathen and single I'd have Eric Bana on my island. He's a hottie. Hehehe
What last minute advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
Keep writing until something sells. Don't give up.
Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?
My Sheaf House books (paperback) can be purchased just about everywhere.
My ebooks can be purchased at Desert Breeze Publishing and on Amazon.com and other ebook seller sites.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sure. Check out my book video trailers for my releases. I have them on my facebook page… and also on my blogspot blog.
Thank you for joining me today, Michelle. All of your books sound like fun reads, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.
How did you get started in writing?
I've always been a reader, so one day I just decided to sit down and write an inspirational romance novel. What had me stirred up to do this was talking (via e-mail) to Love Inspired author Cynthia Rutledge. She started writing when her kids went to college. I started writing (because of her encouragement) in August of 2003 and I've been writing ever since.
I hear you have a couple of new releases. Will you tell us about them?
The books recently released are It's Not About Him (sequel to It's Not about Me) from Sheaf House. These are paperback books. The other release is my romantic suspense e-book, Danger at the Door. I also have an inspirational cowboy romance releasing in January 2010 called First Impressions. It's the first book in my Tombstone series.
Where did you come up with the concept for your stories?
From life and ideas that the Lord has put on my heart and in my mind.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written? How about a favorite character?
That would be like asking me if I had a favorite kid. Not answering that one about my books.
Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?
I think about it for several months, and when I get the muse I start writing. I never plot a thing on paper. It's all in my mind.
You’re also the founder of the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers website, a great place for authors to mingle with one another and their readers, and to post news about their books. Can you tell us a little about it?
I started the site http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com to create a safe place for Christians and writers who like edgy Christian fiction to talk about books and writing without restrictions of any kind. It's a great way to learn from each other and to share news. It seems to be a hit as people post all the time and there are over 500 members.
In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?
Make a name for yourself where people know who you are and what you stand for. People who have read my books know I love to write sizzling romantic scenes and that I also love to get deep into faith issues and stuff like that. I have done this through blogs, interviews, contests, tours, my own website, other networking sites, facebook, etc. But to do this you have to have a consistent product. People hear Michelle Sutton and they know what to expect when they read something with that name on it. It's called branding. Because people get hooked on an author's voice more than individual stories. That's why people will have favorite authors.
What is one of the most memorable thing’s that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author (for example: an awesome book signing or that one email you received from a reader that really made your day)?
I had an out of town book signing where some young adults approached me all giggly because they met me in person. I've had that happen in several cities, actually. That's kind of endearing. I've also had several teens tell me they've read my book three or more times. I think that's great!
Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?
Hmmm…I am too busy writing to be unusually engaged in another hobby. How about some fun facts…? I collect autographed books. Last year I reviewed 97 books. I hate driving. I'm addicted to gourmet coffees of any kind. I despise cooking. And up until I bought my new car this past February I haven't pumped my own gas or changed my oil in about ten years. I have a good hubby. I don't let him touch my new car, though. He has his own vehicles to trash :-)
What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?
Either chocolate or ice cream. Both are guaranteed to make me fat. Right now I'm eating a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I'm so busted…
Okay, let’s pretend for a minute that you are stranded on a deserted island. What are three things you’d miss most or want with you on the island? This can include people, but you can’t have Matthew McConaughey because he’s already on my island *big grin*.
I'd miss my husband and kids most. But if I were a heathen and single I'd have Eric Bana on my island. He's a hottie. Hehehe
What last minute advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?
Keep writing until something sells. Don't give up.
Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?
My Sheaf House books (paperback) can be purchased just about everywhere.
My ebooks can be purchased at Desert Breeze Publishing and on Amazon.com and other ebook seller sites.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Sure. Check out my book video trailers for my releases. I have them on my facebook page… and also on my blogspot blog.
Thank you for joining me today, Michelle. All of your books sound like fun reads, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
