On Writing Author Interview: Pat Valdata

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview. So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author. 

ON WRITING
What is your favorite part of being a writer?   Mostly, I love working with words. 

What is your least favorite part?   There’s not much to dislike! The whole process is fun—from getting an idea through drafting and revising and then finally the satisfaction of arriving at “the end.” Trying to get someone to like what I wrote is nowhere near as much fun, but then, that’s publishing, not writing.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.   Time is the main problem. I am not a person with limitless energy, so day jobs can make it hard to get writing done, especially a day job that involves sitting in front of a computer and writing things for other people. After a day of that, the last thing I want to do is spend more time in front of a computer screen. And I am not a morning person, so getting up an hour early to work on my own stuff just isn’t going to happen. Thank goodness for writer’s residencies! I can get more done in two weeks at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts than I can in six months at home.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?  All of it, all the time.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   When someone comes up to me at a book fair and tells me how much they loved my book. Or when I get a fan letter—which is rare, but really gratifying. 

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?   I don’t have favorites. I love them all.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?   Goodness, writing about what you already know sounds so boring, doesn’t it? One of my favorite writing teachers, Peter Murphy, says that we have to surprise ourselves if we want our readers to be surprised, too. I think that’s great advice. And because I thoroughly enjoy doing research, I am always happy to be in the middle of a project that requires it. I especially love researching realistic details.

How do you use the internet for your writing?   The most influential thing was joining a listerv of creative writers and writing teachers in 1995. I am still on that list and I really value the friendships and professional relationships that I have made as a result. I belong to another listserv for women poets, which has also been a valuable resource. I have had publications as a direct result of the networking on both lists.  I also use Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with other writers and to let people know about upcoming events and publications. 

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?    It certainly makes me feel like a “real” writer, but aside from the personal gratification, there’s little tangible benefit, at least, not for someone at my level. Maybe I’d feel differently if I’d won a MacArthur grant or Pulitzer prize! 

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?   The old-fashioned kind: word of mouth and personal networking. All of my publications have resulted from those two things. I also sell books at book fairs and festivals. I can buy book s from my publishers at a discount, so selling directly is how I make the most money per individual copy. And it is a lot of fun.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?   I am probably the worst person when it comes to good writing habits. I am easily distracted when I am at home. There’s always something that needs doing—getting work done for a client and grading papers are things I get paid to do, so of course that work gets priority. By the time I am done with paid work, it is just too easy to procrastinate by refilling the bird feeder or doing a load of wash. If I didn’t belong to a group that meets twice a month, I probably wouldn’t get anything written. 

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?  Procrastinating is the main thing I do much too well. I also suggest NOT looking at email or Facebook when your main task should be to sit down and write. The Internet is a huge distraction. I am really good at avoiding it when I’m at a residency, but I am really bad about it at home. 

Do you have any strange writing habits?  I generally compose using the computer, so I don’t have a lucky pen or use a particular kind of writing paper. I don’t play music. I don’t have any real rituals, although in my office I have objects that I hope will put me in a writing mood—a turtle figurine that my husband gave me, some pretty beach rocks and shells, writing books, things like that. Sometimes, though, I need to get out of the office, and so I’ll drive to a local park and watch birds for a little while to get back into a creative mood.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?  I love to read and always have several books going at once. I love mysteries and admire writers who can write them. I’m also a geek so I reread The Lord of the Rings every few years. I’m a birder so I have a lot of bird books, too. I just got Jerry Ligouri’s Hawks at a Distance because I volunteer at the Turkey Point Hawk Watch every year. 

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?   To write the best that I can. If someone reads one of my books and enjoys it, that makes me incredibly happy.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?  Just do it no matter how many people tell you that you are uncool. 

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?   This is the best of times and the worst of times (sorry, Dickens). It’s the best for anyone who wants to self-publish an e-book or a print book because there are so many options out there. It’s the worst of times for anyone who wants to publish through the traditional route. The few publishing houses that are left are run by bean counters, not editors, and they are so driven by the bottom line that it’s really hard for any writer who doesn’t write a potential blockbuster (99.99% of us) to even get read.

Any thoughts on what this author writes? How many books published? Here's a little more information about the author...

How many published books are to your credit?   4

Do you have an agent?   Not at present. If an agent reads this and wants to get in touch, that would be great.

Are you self-published?  No 

How many different companies have you published with?  Three 

How long have you been writing?   Ever since I learned to read, but writing seriously for about 20 years.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?   I wish! I am a business writing consultant and I also teach part-time, and mostly online, for UMUC. How do I balance work/writing? Not well at all.

So, any thoughts? Here's the full scoop:

Pat Valdata, a native of New Jersey, lives in Elkton, Maryland. She received an MFA in fiction writing from Goddard College. She has written two novels, Crosswind (Wind Canyon Books, 1998) and The Other Sister (Plain View Press, 2008), which won a gold medal from the Árpád Academy in 2009. Her newest book, a full-length poetry book titled Inherent Vice (Pecan Grove Press), was published in March 2011. Her earlier chapbook, Looking for Bivalve (2002), was a finalist in that publisher’s chapbook competition. Pat is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and president of Cloudstreet Communications. 

Pat's titles are available for purchase at http://www.cloudstreetcomm.com/books.htm

THE FUTURE

What are you working on now?  I am working on a new novel and a new book of poetry.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share? I have always loved Hemingway’s comment about why he rewrote the last page of Farewell to Arms 39 times. His writing problem? “Getting the words right.”

For more information on Pat Valdata, novelist and poet, please visit http://www.pw.org/content/patricia_valdata_1

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews? Let us know...drop us a comment below.

On Writing Author Interview: Pete Koziar

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview. So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author. 

ON WRITING 
What is your favorite part of being a writer?   Being able to imagine a whole new world and get it on paper. 

What is your least favorite part?   Proofreading and editing.  

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.   Episodes of the dreaded “author self-doubt.” Having friends read the rough copy and offer support has gotten be through. 

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?  Sometimes, my point of view can be a little erratic, so I am writing my second novel in first person to practice my focus. 

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   The ability to craft believable characters that people identify with quickly. 

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?   I tend to spread aspects of my personality across several main characters, but I suppose my favorite character shares my love of creating things that are a mix of art and practicality.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?   Mostly what I know, or that I can find people around me who know.  

How do you use the internet for your writing?   Some research

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?   It's given me the opportunity to write press releases and get a little bit of attention. I don't know what impact it's directly made on sales. 

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?   Posting to blogs, including my own. 

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?   I set a goal to finish a chapter in a certain length of time (four weeks on the first, longer novel, two weeks for the one I'm currently working on), and hold to it.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?   No, I'm perfect. I'm also a bad liar. ;-) I tend to sometimes get stuck, struggling to get a paragraph or two perfect, but I have to let go of it, remembering that I can fix it during editing.

Do you have any strange writing habits?   I tend to write better on one particular laptop. 

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?   I don't have the time I used to for recreational reading. I like science fiction, but I wind up instead reading lots of books on marketing my [books] and formatting my web site. 

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?   I want to take people to a hopeful world, where they can forget their troubles and have fun, and learn something about themselves and God. 

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS 
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?  Write! Get the thing done! Write some more! Don't be afraid to try new things that make you happy. Don't be bound by what will sell best, because writing like that results in books that are merely trite and forgettable. 

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?   Don't overlook electronic or other self-publishing. It's getting more respectable by the minute. 

Any thoughts on what this author writes? How many books published? Here's a little more information about the author...  

How many published books are to your credit?   One 

Do you have an agent?   No 

Are you self-published?  Yes 

How many different companies have you published with?  One 

How long have you been writing?   Since I've been a young man, but specifically on the novels for publication, about five years. 

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?   No. I'm also a Principal Research Scientist at a defense contractor. I set aside one night a week exclusively for writing.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

Award-winning Novelist Pete Koziar's short stories have appeared in The Cross and the Cosmos magazine, and his poems have appeared in Digital Dragon, Mindflights and the Dovetail Journal.

He was born in New Jersey, but moved to Maryland to get his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. He's been married for over thirty years, and has one son who is currently serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. He also has a Masters of Ministry degree from a small seminary in the area.  

He currently serves as the pastor / leader / rabbi of B'nai Avraham Messianic Congregation outside of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He's also a full time Principal Research Scientist at a major defense contractor.

When he's not writing or trying to promote his book, he also enjoys woodworking, raising orchids, photography and online multiplayer computer games.

Pete's Science Fiction novel, Dauntless Homecoming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble (Nook), Lulu.com (ePub), and CreateSpace. 

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?  A brand new novel, Seeking Adam, about an alien evangelist stranded on this world, who discovers something that leads to war with another alien culture.  Also working (but not as fervently at this point) on a sequel, Mars Doom Rising, to my first novel.
PARTING WORDS

Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?   I write because I have to, and when other people read and enjoy my work, it's a wonderful blessing to know that I have been the tour guide for a completely different world that was, to them, a refreshing little visit.


Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews? Let us know...drop us a comment below.

On Writing Author Interview: Cynthia Vespia – Author

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview. So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?  Creating characters and worlds...but mostly characters. They can be extensions of yourself or a complete fabrication. It is a great escape.

What is your least favorite part?  Research. Although it can be interesting at times it also gets a little monotonous. I like to use as much of my own knowledge and creative experience as I can and then go back in to clear up an misconceptions.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.  The industry is SATURATED with novels and now ebooks. Everyone and their brother thinks they're a writer all of a sudden and this includes celebrity. What I am STILL trying to overcome is just getting my work in front of the right people. As much as the change to the industry with the electronic age has increased authors chances of making a mark they have also put up that much more stumbling blocks.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?  Showing more rich detail. It is like when I used to color and I loved doing the main image and skipped the background. You have to include every facet or the picture, or story in this case, won't pull together.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   I've received some really great reviews.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?   All my characters wind up being an extension of myself. In the midst of what they think of as flaws they are commonly going against the grain and fighting for something.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?  No topic is off limits. I will write from what I know and then go back in via editing and supply the research for the things I don't know. 

How do you use the internet for your writing?  Research. That is one technological advantage that works well for the writer. You can find whatever you need with only a few clicks of the keyboard. It is also a must for writers to be tied into the social networking sites. You have to get into the public eye as much as possible.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?   It never hurts to have “award winning” after your name. It draws attention, gives you recognition from an outside source.  

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?   Conventions but you have to be on your game. You can't just sit at a table and wait for people to come over to you. I pull out all the tricks. Suddenly I'm a carnival barker calling people over and making small talk that always segues into whatever I'm pitching.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?  Learn all the rules then break them. Make your own rules. Develop your own style. Please don't follow the trends. The big thing going on now will be passe by the time you write your novel. BE the next big thing instead!

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?   Discipline. You should make your writing a habit. Same time, same place. Develop a habit. Make it part of your routine. It is too easy to get sidetracked by everything else if you don't. 

Do you have any strange writing habits?   I write long hand on a legal pad for the first draft. Then I'll put everything into my word processing program and at the same time edit it so I have a clean second draft ready to go.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?  Yes, if you are a writer you should be reading everyday. I read a lot of different authors. I like finding new authors and also returning to old favorites. I also read a lot of self help books and autobiographies.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?   Ha, nothing! I'm not one of those authors who is trying to change the world or deliver a message. I write for entertainment. When I read as a child it was just as much fun, if not more, than watching a movie. I want to draw emotions from people like emotions were drawn from me when I was little.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?  Write for the wastebasket. What that means is that you realize the first draft is exactly that...don't over think it and try to make it perfect. Write it as though you were just going to throw it in the trash. Sounds harsh but it works.  

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?   Do your research. And never, ever sign a contract without reading it thoroughly!

Any thoughts on what this author writes? How many books published? Here's a little more information about the author...  

How many published books are to your credit?   5 

Do you have an agent?  Not yet

Are you self-published?  Two self-published titles. 3 traditional. 

How many different companies have you published with?   Including the self-published titles, 4 

How long have you been writing?   Since I was 8 

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?  The dream is to write full time. I've had many day jobs. Right now I'm a fitness instructor.

So, any thoughts? Here's the full scoop:

Cynthia Vespia has a background as a certified personal trainer; licensed private security guard; and trained mixologist. But the allure of writing has always been at the forefront. As a skilled wordsmith she established a successful career as a journalist and promotional writer. Throughout that time she remained true to her passion and pursuit of writing novels.
 
Her first novel, a medieval fiction entitled The Crescent was published in August 2005. The novel was unanimously praised as "an engaging, descriptive read" which prompted a sell-out at Borders Bookstore in less than one hour during the first official signing.

A short story, a satirical look at the afterlife titled Death's Grand Design (Utterpants), was published online shortly thereafter and once again met with reviews that honored her attention to detail and the flow of her prose.

In May of 2006, Theater of Pain was released. This thriller unfolds within the eccentric world of professional wrestling where competitors would do anything to reach the top...even murder.

After a short hiatus, Cynthia returned with Demon Hunter. It is the story about a nobody who becomes a somebody in the bloodiest of ways. Following the tradition of dark fantasy and combining the concept of high-adventure, Demon Hunter examines both the light and dark side of human nature when a man learns he is fated to hunt demons before they corrupt mankind. The success of Demon Hunter was followed up by the sequel Seek & Destroy which takes the characters and the reader on a journey that begins on the high seas and ends in Hell. Both novels (published in e-book format) were nominated for Best Series in 2009 by LRC Cafe. The respective trailer for Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy won a Most Artistic Trailer award from New Covey as well.

Cynthia’s latest release returns to the contemporary side of thrillers but still contains that special twist that her novels are fast becoming known for. Life, Death, and Back delves into the paranormal when a mans life is tragically cut short and he remains on Earth as a guardian angel to those he’s left behind.

Today Cynthia writes character driven suspense fiction and dark fantasy. Cynthia likes to refer to her novels as "Real life situations that you could find yourself in but hope to God you never do. In her spare time she enjoys reading, movies that involve a strong plot/characters, and keeping active through martial arts and fitness training.

Cynthia's books can be purchased at

http://cynsights.blogspot.com/p/cynthias-novels.html

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?   There have been some exciting changes. The Original Cyn, that's me, will be debuting a plethora of new and newly revised projects. Favorites like The Crescent will be getting a facelift and coming over to Kindle, etc. while new projects will be released within the next few months. Stay tuned to www.cynthiavespia.com and www.facebook.com/cynthia.vespia for all the details.  

PARTING WORDS 
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?   Write for the love of it and the rest will follow.

For more information on Cynthia Vespia – Author of Thrills and Chills, visit her at http://www.cynthiavespia.com/ or www.facebook.com/cynthia.vespia

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews? Let us know...drop us a comment below.

On Writing Author Interview: Author Vonnie Winslow Crist

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview. So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer? The writing is my favorite thing about being a writer! I also enjoy research. While doing research, I sometimes stumble upon the most amazing fact or bit of history or archaic word that turns out to be the beginning place for another piece of writing. Plus, I'm getting better & better at trivia games that involve obscure information.

What is your least favorite part? Submitting work to publishers. I think it's actually the time spent away from the creative process I dislike, though I must say the possibility of rejection looms like a thunderstorm on the horizon. And in a strange way, I think I'm a little afraid of success! Being very successful would probably take time away from the actual writing, too.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome. Hmm. I'm not sure I'd call them obstacles, but having 3 children and being a very involved mom took lots of my time. Now that the kids are grown, I thought I'd have more time for my writing, but I still devote a lot of time to my elderly mom, grandkids, kids, and husband. Family is my foundation – and also my biggest distraction.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve? I continue to work on character development and plotting. Nowadays, I cringe when I read something I wrote years ago. The good news is that I've matured as a writer enough to easily pick out the weaknesses in my earlier published work. The bad news is that work is out there for others to read. Eek!

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud? I think I'm proudest when a reader tells me that a piece of my writing had special meaning to them or that they really enjoyed it. I believe writing is communication, therefore it takes at least 2 people. I send out the message – and when someone reads it, then the message is received. Hooray when the communication works!

What does your favorite main character have in common with you? No fair. This is like picking your favorite child – it's impossible to do. But if I had to choose, most of my favorite characters care about others and are curious, honest, and willing to suspend their disbelief every now and again. That pretty much describes me.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know? I do lots of research AND write about things I know something about. Even if I know a good deal about a subject (art as an example), I will do additional research so I make sure to get the facts straight (or know where to change things). I also love to do research on some scrap of quirky information I come across. Sometimes I think the joy of discovering a fascinating legend or folk practice can translate into an interesting story where your protagonist also discovers that information.

How do you use the internet for your writing? First let me say, my publishers think I should use the internet more! But I do have a website, blog, personal & author Facebook page, and (sigh) a little-used twitter account. I'm trying to use the internet to connect more with my readers. I also belong to several online groups which not only offer writing-specific opportunities, but also support and discussions about writing and/or illustration.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? Early on, I entered a few contests and was rather successful with individual pieces. I think those awards encouraged me to continue writing. A Special Merit Award resulted in a book. A few years ago, I won an Individual Artist Award in Writing from the Maryland State Arts Council. The monetary part of that award was helpful in paying for some writing seminars, and the award itself opened the door for the publication of another book.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with? The marketing tool I've had good success with is follow-up contacts with readers, reviewers, and bloggers. If someone is interested in you as a writer or your work. Pay attention & follow up!

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out? I'd tell a beginning writer to try to write something every day. I don't care if it's revising work, notes for research, journaling, or actually working on a creative piece of writing. Try to write every day.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid? She sighs loudly, then responds: don't procrastinate. Tasks do NOT become easier because you waited till later.
 
Do you have any strange writing habits? I carry a little notepad and jot down ideas, names, snippets of conversation, places, anything that strikes my fancy -- no matter where I am. People who don't know me must wonder what in the world I'm writing at a restaurant or in the mall or in church or outside a funeral parlor or...

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what? I love to read. My interests vary – but currently I've been on a Young Adult reading jag: “The Hunger Games,” “Girl on Fire,” “Mocking Jay,” “Impossible,” “Graceling,” etc. And, as always, I have a special spot in my heart for folklore, legends, myths, fairy tales, and Tolkien.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing? The first and most important thing I'm trying to accomplish through my writing is to communicate with others through story. I strive to examine our complicated world and relationships, and to reach out to others through words. I also try to celebrate the mystical and magical in the world around us.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers? Write because you love to write. Read because it helps you understand what has been written before and what's being written today. Reading also allows you to see with your own eyes both great and not-so-great writing. Try to jot down what makes a story wonderful and what makes you stop reading a book. You can learn a lot from others' mistakes. Practice your craft. Practice really does help you improve whether you're writing a novel or shooting a basketball or baking a cake from scratch.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published? Read what a publisher has published before. In the case of magazines, you can really tell an editor's tastes by what they've selected to include in previous issues of their publication. Use market sites to help you find places looking for work, then follow their guidelines precisely. Two of my favorites: www.ralan.com and www.duotrope.com Be persistent. You should always have multiple pieces “out” looking for a publishing home while you're hard at work on the next story, book, article, poem, etc. Keep writing. Keep submitting. And don't become discouraged.

Any thoughts on what this author writes? How many books published? Here's a little more information about the author...

How many published books are to your credit? 4 print & 3 ebooks.

Do you have an agent?  No. But I did have an agent briefly – her agency folded, and I (she dabs her eyes with a tissue) became agentless again.

Are you self-published?  No.

How many different companies have you published with?  4

How long have you been writing? Like most of your readers, I've been writing since kindergarten! But I think I really felt a need to pursue creative writing in early 1979. I sent a few poems to a couple of local publications and got published. Looking back on those pieces, I shake my head. They're not very good – but they were my best work at that time in my writing life.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing? I'm a “Jill-of-many-trades.” Besides freelance writing & illustrating & storytelling -- I'm a columnist for “Harford's Heart Magazine,” illustrator for “The Vegetarian Journal,” contributor to “Faerie Magazine,” and editor of “The Gunpowder Review.” I occasionally teach creative writing at a local college. I'm also a wife, mom, granny, daughter, etc. I try to balance the time spent every day between work and home life. But honestly, I think because of deadlines and short-time opportunities, I balance the time spent per WEEK better. Some days are devoted to writing & illustrating and others almost totally to family.

So, any thoughts? Here's the full scoop:

Born in the Year of the Dragon, Vonnie Winslow Crist earned a BS in Art & Education and an MS in Professional Writing from Towson University. Published in over 100 magazines, she enjoys reading, writing, and illustrating folklore, myths, legends, and fairy tales. And myths and legends plan an important role in her new short story collection, The Greener Forest -- where all is not what it seems at first glance, and anything is possible when Faerie collides with our everyday world.

A firm believer that the world around us is filled with miracles and magic, Vonnie still sees angels in the trees, trolls under bridges, pillywiggins in her garden, and goblins of all sorts in the shadows. She lives at Wood's Edge with her husband and their dog, feeds wild birds, adores toads, and regularly has mushroom fairy rings sprout up beneath the trees in her yard.

Vonnie's titles include:  “The Greener Forest” - speculative short story collection; “Bells” - eShort ghost story; “Assassins” - eShort science fiction; “Sideshow by the Sea” - eShort dark fantasy; “River of Stars” - poetry with a mythic tone; “Essential Fables” - poetry with a mythic tone;  “Leprechaun Cake & Other Tales” - children's book;  as well as a contributor to lots of anthos including: “Dragons' Lure,” “Dia de los Muertos – A Day of the Dead Anthology,” “In the Garden of the Crow,” “While the Morning Stars Sing,” “Life in Me like Grass on Fire,” etc.

These books may be purchased at Amazon.com and at http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?  I'm currently at work on several short stories & articles for various magazines or anthologies and on another collection of speculative short fiction. I'm also working on a speculative novel and compiling a collection of letters from a great uncle from World War II. The WW II book is a departure from my usual books, but it's a fascinating project. My uncle was wounded several times, and eventually killed, but he wrote his sister wonderful letters almost everyday for 3 years while in N. Africa and then, in Italy. And I'm still trying to locate another agent for my YA novel. Plus, there is this children's book idea...

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?   For me, the creative process is like oxygen – I need it to survive. I think if writing is something you love, you should write for your own pleasure. Then, determine your audience: Is the writing just for you? Then, print out & bind a copy of your work for you. For your family & friends? Think about self-publishing a print-on-demand or eBook. Or for a larger readership? Begin to build an audience by publishing in magazines & anthologies while you look for a publisher for a book of your work. If and how you choose to publish will be determined by your answer to the audience question.

To learn more about Author-Illustrator Vonnie Winslow Crist, check out her website: http:vonniewinslowcrist.com or blog: http://vonniewinslowcrist.wordpress.com  or facebook author page: http://tinyurl.com/Fb-Vonnie-Winslow-Crist-Author or twitter: @VonnieWCrist.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews? Let us know...drop us a comment below.

On Writing Author Interview: Author J. Johnson Higgins

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview. So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer? Writing gives me a jolt in the same way that caffeine does for most people. Just coming up with something for my story, no matter how small or big, is enough to get me through a day. It’s like a treat.

What is your least favorite part? I’m not a fan of the part where I have to sell my story. I’ve always written for fun and it always feels like a distraction from my writing and a lot of extra stress to try and stand out so someone will read my work. My confession: I wish it was completely someone else’s job so I can go back to writing.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.   I’ve had to overcome the pressure to write someone else’s book. I think we as writers get a lot of pressure to throw out our original ideas in order to write what experts or the markets say we should write. It was tempting but it was also at the root of most of my writing dilemmas. It can be paralyzing.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?  I’m working on transitions and “scene changes.” Many times I’ll write whole blocks of my story and find myself rearranging things because they make better sense told in a different order or from a different point-of-view. Though it usually works out, I’m working on planning that sort of stuff out in advance instead of after the fact.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?   People say they can “see” my stories in their minds very easily. It’s the one consistent complement I get. That makes me proud of my work. I’m doing something right!

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?   My main character tends to get mixed up in things that are overwhelming and well outside of her comfort zone but she typically finds ways to keep her head on straight. She’s not perfect but she gets through it. We have that in common.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?   I do a little of both. What I know seems to show up in my stories without even trying but every now and then I’m fascinated by something I really don’t understand and I want it in my story. Interestingly, after doing a ton of research, most of it does not make it into the final version because it’s not relevant and would distract the reader from the point I’m making. In sum, it helps to know how the world works for the sake of the reader that happens to be an expert but I refuse to bore the rest of my readers with esoteric fun facts.

How do you use the internet for your writing?   I use it to examine mannerisms and tones of voice. Unless I’m in a café or somewhere where I can watch people, I like to look at people’s reactions to questions and situations online and do my best to reproduce those in my story when I’m describing a character doing the same thing. My imagination is good but it’s unbelievable all the little things that a person does that imply their state of mind. Online dictionaries are great too for checking confusing words.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had?   No awards. I’d like to say that this has protected me from developing an inflated ego.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?  Business cards. They’re like bookmarks but I actually carry them everywhere I go and they seem to end up in people’s hands even if I’m not trying to give them out! People seem to want them.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?   I’ve gotten pretty good at setting aside time most days to write, even if it’s not for very long. Planning and pre-writing is a must for me too.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?  It’s not a good idea to make writing the very last thing on your agenda on any given day. Trust me, it won’t happen. Every now and then I convince myself that it’s no big deal and every time I’m wrong.

Do you have any strange writing habits?   I write rather short chapters usually but I guess it’s not that strange once you see how short James Patterson’s chapters are.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?   I usually choose 19th century novels or modern thrillers. In all honesty, I read more non-fiction like newspapers and journal articles than anything else.  I don’t read my own genre. I’m actually disenchanted with the direction the genre has been going and the lack of innovation. I don’t want it rubbing off on me too much.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?   I hope that my writing is fun and interesting to read more than anything else.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?  Just write what you want to write and believe in that story. Only change your creative work if you believe it helps make it clearer but don’t change it for other reasons inconsistent with your core principals as an artist. It is important that the writing means something to you. After all, you’ll be the one with your name associated with it.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?   There is no one right way to publish your work. For some, this means to publish through a traditional and mainstream publisher; for others it means to publish it yourself or give it out for free. I say do what suits you and your story. The worse outcome is not publishing your work at all, if publishing is a major goal of yours.

Any thoughts on what this author writes? How many books published? Here's a little more information about the author...

How many published books are to your credit?   1

Do you have an agent?   No

Are you self-published?  Yes

How many different companies have you published with?   1

How long have you been writing?   17 years (but more seriously in recent years)

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?   I don’t write fiction full-time but I do write other things for a living. I’m a policy analyst so I write research papers and ghostwrite statements for people regularly. They are two very different styles of writing but with the same goal making sure the message is communicated to an audience effectively. I usually, write fiction in my free time (or I sneak it between other things when I’m not free).

So, any thoughts? Here's the full scoop:

     J. Johnson Higgins began his writing from a young age. In elementary school he was once asked to write a short myth as an assignment. From that point forward he continued writing short stories about magic and alternate worlds for fun. He continued this process on into his college years.
    His first novel, Legend of the Dark Messiah: The Mask and the Sword, was published in 2007. The novel was largely recognized as a refreshing new take on the Fantasy genre that combines an original modern-feeling world with a page-turning political conspiracy nicely woven into the plot.
    He currently lives in Maryland.
    His book, Legend of the Dark Messiah: The Mask and the Sword, can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, and iUniverse (eBook and hardcover versions also available here).

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?  I’m currently preparing the second book in the Legend of the Dark Messiah series for publication. I’m also writing the third installment.

More information on Author J. John Higgins is available on his website at www.authorjjhiggins.com

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews? Let us know...drop us a comment below.

Author Blog Hop - Good Character with a Dash of Bad...

Okay, now I'm getting the hang of this! Thank you Angelika Devlyn for steering me in the right direction. 
Yesterday I was supposed to post this author question and give my answer as part of the Blog Hop: Thursday, June 23rd 2011:

QUESTION: When creating a main character, is it better to start with a good girl/guy with a drop of "bad", or a bad girl/guy with a drop of "good"? Question provided by author Lara Z

MY ANSWER: I personally don't create main characters that way. I look at what the character's main goals are. I look at what they're willing to do to achieve them. Then I put the obstacles in their way - how will they handle them? I believe a character's motivation directly impacts their decision-making, and their interpretation of "good versus bad."

If the perfect opportunity arises to torture, then murder someone who has done something heinous to a "good" character (let's say her name is Lily) - and she knows there's NO way she can get caught - why shouldn't she take advantage of that? To the reader, that's probably BAD, but in Lily's head, it may be the only way to survive. Does that make HER bad?

I think perhaps the true answer to this question is: if you want a good character to do bad things - what weaknesses do you give them? The same recipe goes for a bad guy doing good.

Thanks for visiting me on the Blog Hop!