Author interview with A.M. Myers

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing A.M. Myers, author of The Hidden Scars series

Hi A.M., thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hi, thanks for having me! Let’s see, where to start? I was born in Lincoln, NE but did most of my growing up in a small little town in Wyoming, just a hour or so away from Yellowstone National Park. I met my husband in high school and we’ve been together for ten years now. We have two little boys and a giant pit bull who is really like my third baby.

What were you like at school?

I was pretty shy, still am actually. It usually takes me a little bit of time to warm up to someone and be myself. I took a lot of creative classes like photography and graphic design.



Were you good at English?

Yes. English has always been easy for me and it’s the way that I best express myself. I took several creative writing classes and was on the newspaper for my high school.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?
My biggest goal is to just be able to take care of my family doing what I love but of course I’d love to see my name up on a bestseller list one day.

Which writers inspire you?
Jodi Ellen Malpas, K. Bromberg and Ahren Sanders are some of my favorites

So, what have you written?

I’m just finishing up the Hidden Scars Series, which includes Hidden Scars, Collateral Damage, and Evading Fate.

Where can we buy or see them?
Hidden Scars:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014B6KFJE

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014B6KFJE

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014B6KFJE

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B014B6KFJE

Collateral Damage:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G9FOS20

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G9FOS20

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01G9FOS20

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01G9FOS20

Evading Fate:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0GKMU0

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L0GKMU0

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01L0GKMU0

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01L0GKMU0

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

For my first book, Hidden Scars, Emma is special because she continues fighting even when she’s been through a whole lot of shit and it would be easier to give up. She holds out hope when she has no reason to. Daisy is one of Emma’s best friends and the focus of book two, Collateral Damage. She’s such a strong person but she shows that strength with grace and patience. When Tucker isn’t willing to give her what she knows she deserves, she stands strong and holds out until she does.

What are you working on at this minute?
I am finishing up Evading Fate, the third and final book in the Hidden Scars series. I’m also starting a new series with the MC boys introduced in Hidden Scars. I’m really excited to dive into the first book, Hopelessly Devoted.

What genre are your books?
They are Romantic Suspense or Contemporary Romance

What draws you to this genre?
I like the drama and I think I’ve probably watched too many cop shows.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
While I was writing Evading Fate, I imagined Blake Lively as Addy but I’m not sure who I would have for Trey.

How much research do you do?
It varies with each book. I usually just read about a topic until I feel like I know enough to do the story justice.

Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?

No

When did you decide to become a writer?

I don’t know that it was something I ever decided. I always had an overactive imagination and I always expressed myself best in writing so it just seemed natural. I think the thing that really pushed me into it though was this assignment I had to write a poem in sixth grade. My poem was published in this collection and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever.

Why do you write?

I write because I have to. The ideas just come to me and I have to tell them

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

I was going through something personally and when I didn’t know how to deal with it all, I started writing. Not long after that, I realized that I could do this as a career.

Do you write full-time or part-time?

I try to write full time but I do have two little boys that need lots of attention. Also, promoting my books takes a lot more work than I think a lot of people realize.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
My mornings are spent answering emails, posting about my books in groups and doing any other stuff that needs to be done and then once my kids go down for their naps, I write.

Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?

I try to write everyday but sometimes I don’t – just depends on the day.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
I usually shoot for 2500 words a day. That keeps me on track but isn’t overwhelming.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Computer

Where do your ideas come from?
All over the place. I’ve always had an overactive imagination and I’ll see people on the street and build an entire life for them, or I’ll see an episode of something on TV and think “that would be so much better if…”. Most of the time though, my ideas just come from my head. I always seem to be lost in a daydream.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I do work from an outline but that doesn’t always work out the way you think it will. Sometimes when you’re writing, you have to let the characters take control a little bit. On my upcoming release, I was writing away but it just wasn’t working and I ended up reworking the entire plot on the spot.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

I think I can see how the story comes together much better now. When I was writing my first book, I felt like it was kind of a runaway train and then magically, it all came together in the end. Now, when I start a book, I’m better at seeing the ending.

What is the hardest thing about writing?
Self-doubt. For me, I start to feel like I’m saying the same thing over and over again or I start to worry that what’s in my head isn’t translating to the page. It isn’t until I send it off to my betas and they get back to me do I start to feel more confident in what I wrote.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
The hardest part was trying to work with the original plot I had thought up. It wasn’t true to me or my characters and it took me a little time to see that.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

I’m not sure that there is an easy part to writing. I’m pouring my soul out onto a page and then sending it out into the world but my love for what I do and my readers makes all the hard work more than worth it.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I give myself six weeks to write each book, sometimes I write faster, sometimes it takes longer.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Oh, yes.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I just force myself to keep writing. I’ll be sitting there going “this is complete shit” but I just keep writing. Then, after I walk away from it, I usually come up with a way to fix the scene and it all starts flowing again.

If this book is part of a series, tell us a little about it?
The Hidden Scars series is a three book series of connected standalones that follow three siblings, Emma, Tucker, and Trey, as they each fight for love and family. It has an incredible cast of characters that you can’t help but love.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
I love it. It’s hard to keep all the details straight sometimes but I know these characters so well and I’m going to miss writing about them.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
I read a lot. My absolute favorite is Jodi Ellen Malpas.

For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I could go either way. Sometimes it’s easier to use ebooks with two little boys running around.

What book/s are you reading at present?
I just started Down Shift by K. Bromberg

Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I pay someone to do that. It’s essential to putting out a good book

Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?

Not usually. I’m the queen of second guessing myself so it would drive me crazy. My betas are usually the biggest help in finding issues.

Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?

Nicole Bailey with Proof Before You Publish. She was recommended by another author

Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
So, for the cover of Hidden Scars, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted but my cover designer is amazing and worked with me. After that the ideas for the following two books just developed naturally. Since Collateral Damage and Evading Fate are focused around Emma’s brothers, I wanted guys on those covers and I wanted to the colors to work together without being too matchy.

Who designed your book cover/s?

Renee Ericson with Recreatives

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Absolutely.

How are you publishing this book and why?
I’m an indie author all the way.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

I actually prefer self-publishing. I’ve done a lot of research into getting traditionally published because for so long that was the only way but I just didn’t see the benefits of doing that. I would give up a lot of the control I have with self-publishing and a lot of the money but still have to do my own marketing. Honestly, I didn’t see the benefit.

How do you market your books?

I use facebook ads and post in book groups.

Why did you choose this route?

It was kind of all I knew at the time. I’m sure that as I learn more, I’ll find new ways to advertise my books

Would you or do you use a PR agency?
I actually just started working with The Hype PR for the release of Evading Fate

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Just don’t give up. The biggest thing that’s going to kill you is giving up. If you’re not happy with your sales, do research and find ways that have worked for other authors. Google is your friend.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?

Usually most of the morning is devoted to promoting.

What do you do to get book reviews?

Beg and plead…just kidding (kind of). I usually try to get a good group of people to send ARCs to that will post a review on release day and then I hold contests contingent on reaching a certain number of reviews.

How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

Eh. Sometimes it goes really well and other times, not so much

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

For my ARC reviewers, I stick to the people in my fan group or on my author page

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
You have to accept the good with the bad. I went into this knowing that not everyone was going to love my books and that’s okay. I was overwhelmed by the response from people who said they loved the book or it was the best book they’ve read this year and that helps balance out the bad ones. Some of them, you just have to laugh at.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?
I think it’s so important and something that I need to get better at doing.

Which social network worked best for you?
Facebook

Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

Putting my books up for free for a couple days had a huge impact on sales. My KU reads jumped up and stayed up for a while. The thing is, I only offer my books for free once but I think that helps drive sales up too.

Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Giving away so many free books. I know it’s tempting to do because you think those people might leave a review or tell their friends but that rarely happens (at least in my case).

Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
They are just being drowned out and I think a lot of people are hesitant to try a new author.

What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Love them!

Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
I do!

Hidden Scars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UPtaI3JZgs

Collateral Damage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRjsxxz_tXA

Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
If you do it through Amazon, yes.

Did you format your own book?

I do.

In what formats is your book available?

It’s available on Amazon and in paperback

How do you relax?

I’m a huge movie buff and I love to read or go out and do stuff with my family

What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Perfection is not attainable but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence – Vince Lombardi

What is your favorite book and why?
I’ve read way too many books to just pick one but I love the This Man trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Flowers for Algernon, and the Harry Potter series.

Where can you see yourself in 5 years from now?

Hopefully, on a bestsellers list.

What is your favorite movie and why?

I have over 200 movies in my personal collection. I can’t pick one.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop stressing. Things work out how they are supposed to.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Lucille Ball. I absolutely freaking love her.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep pushing forward. It’s not going to be easy but if you work hard, you can do this.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorammyers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorammyers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Myers/e/B00OPLCL20/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1476712339&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3975855.A_M_Myers



Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Author Interview with Christina R Williams!

Author Interview: Christina R. Williams

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my first poem when I was ten years old, but by then I’d already fallen in love with words. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

The first time you asked me this question the answer was simple. Reborn took a year. Reclaimed six months. Revolution four. Reignited took about the same and is in publishing now. Book five, the last edition to the Superi series, is underway. However, these are just numbers. The answer to your question depends on passion. The more you feel the story the faster the lines are born.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

 In the beginning I was consumed with Superi. I worked ten to fourteen hours a day- seven days a week. However, in the two years since, I’ve learned the value of balance. I spend my days being mom and my nights writing. I sacrifice sleep so that I don’t miss the important things. For though I love to get lost in fantasy it is in reality that we find the greatest joy.


What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

 I can’t write inside. Walls are an instant block. Scorching heat or freezing, rain or shine, I have to be outside or my muse will abandon me.

How do books get published? 

I’ve published five books to date, with a sixth on the way, and all have been published through Superi,LLC.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

The Superi series was created, and co-authored, by Clint Thurmon. Twisted and Armour; collections of poetry, came from my personal journals. Publishing them was an emotional rollercoaster, but I have no regrets.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

 I was thirty five when Reborn was published in August of 2015.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

 Before Superi, I was a simple housewife. Don’t misunderstand, there is absolutely nothing wrong with devoting yourself to your family, but I’ve come to realize that there is more…So when I’m not writing I’m learning to live.

What does your family think of your writing? 

*grins* That is a loaded question. There are those who have shown an unbelievable amount of support. There are those who resent it to the point of turning their backs. There are those who simply have no interest, and those who anxiously await what I’ll write next. As for my house…they suffer the hardships of having a writer in the home with exceptional grace. They are my solid ground when my world tips off balance.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

That there are days when you will hate what you love. That when life gets messy, your passion can become a chore. I never saw that coming.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

 I’ve published five books to date. Three for Superi and two of my own. Of the Superi series, my favorite is in publishing now. Reignited is about fighting for what you believe in no matter the cost. It’s about taking control of your own destiny despite your fear of the unknown. It’s about knowing the value of love in all its many forms. As for my poetry, Twisted is a reflection of myself. It’s ugly and beautiful. It’s cynical and hopeful. It’s real, and that makes me love it.

Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer? If so, what are they? 

Know that there is more you don’t know than what you do, and be prepared to ask for help. We don’t become great writers on our own. Great writers are created. We are works in progress. Grow thick skin and prepare yourself to take some hits. It comes with the job. Most importantly, never lose your passion. It will be what gets you through the hard spots.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

 I love talking to my readers, and yes, I hear from them far more often than I thought I would. I enjoy their enthusiasm. I love their ideas. I love that they are invested. Most of all, I love their questions. My favorite to date is… “Why is Tristan bald?” My answer… “You’ll have to read to find out, but its epic lol.” Surprisingly, I hear more from those who read my poetry than those who read Superi. Hearing that my words touched them, inspired them, made them feel less alone… It makes all the sleepless nights worth it.

Do you like to create books for adults? 

The Superi series is written for YA, but yes, I’m looking forward to writing novels for adults. Twisted and Armour are definitely for grownups. I actually fear young minds reading them for they are far too impressionable, and the topics within them are not easy ones.

What do you think makes a good story? 

A touch of truth. There are many things you can fake in a world of fantasy, but emotion is not one of them. For a reader to feel your story there has to be something real in it.

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

Ha…I wanted to be a lawyer, because my young brain couldn’t wrap itself around the injustices of life, and I wanted to set things right. The rantings born of my frustration became poems…and here we are.

Do you have a specific writing style?

 Yes! Writing for YA, it’s a curse. Writing poetry, it’s my greatest strength. When your heroes are from another century, a time lost to history, it marks you. There is an old feel to my work that some love and others hate, but it sets me a part from most. Just so you know, I’m embarrassed by how arrogant that sounds lol.

How did you come up with the title? 

Clint and I worked together to come up with the titles for Superi. We wanted them to show an overview of the books. We wanted them reveal the progression of the series. The title for Armour; being a Christian collection of poetry, came from Ephesians 6:11. Twisted’s title was born of the emotion it invoked. I cannot tell people enough how terrified I was to publish the twisted mess that is my mind.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Superi is all about overcoming the lines that divide us to realize the greatness of our potential when we become a whole. Armour shows the ups and down, the slips and slides, that a Christian must face in their walk with God. Twisted is about overcoming the worst that life can throw at you, and the victory that comes when you not only survive…but thrive.

How much of the book is realistic? 

While Superi is a fictional world, I like to think that the emotion shown by its denizens holds a touch of realism. Armour holds reality only for those who believe. Twisted, however, holds nothing but reality…Painfully so.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

 There are aspects of Superi that mirror experience or events in our own lives. The fight scenes, for example, would not be possible without Clint’s passion for martial arts. As for Armour, it is honestly an ongoing road map of my journey towards what comes next. Twisted holds the truth of my life. Every poem, every line, every word…was ripped from the pages of my past.

What books have most influenced your life most? 

The Grey Eagle series by Janelle Taylor. She was my first love. And then came The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. I’d never read anything more beautiful. Pierce Anthony, in the Magic of Xanth series, introduced me to the world of puns and changed me forever. The list could go on, but if I had to choose just one writer that has influenced me the most, it would be Terry Goodkind. Yes, his writing is epic, unsurpassed, but it is his ability to change one’s perspective that makes him legendary. After reading The Sword of Truth series, I was never the same.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? 

As novels go…Terry Goodkind. As for poetry…William Shakespeare.

What book are you reading now? 

I’ve been reading poetry mostly, bouncing from one collection to the next in search of something that will soothe this restless feeling I’ve been bombarded with of late.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

 Raye Wagner and Rachel Matong; as fellow writers in the YA fantasy genre, they have most definitely raised the bar for me. They’ve forced me to up my game lol.

What are your current projects? 

Clint and I are four books into the Superi series. He’s recently asked me to take another look at Reborn. We’ve learned so much, and have come so far, that we want Reborn to be the equal of those that have followed. In addition, we are in the beginning stages of writing the last book of the series. As for my poetry, I’ve started a new journal, and I suppose eventually they will find themselves in a published collection.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. 

Ben Taylor, my nearest and dearest friend. He’s a swift kick in the rear when I need it. He’s my safe harbor when I’m wounded. He makes sure that I never lose sight of what matters. He knows that writing is as much a part of me as breathing, and though it sometimes makes me an absentee friend, he loves me anyway. We are kindred spirits, he and I.

Do you see writing as a career? 

Yes and no. There may come a time when my published works will be enough, but as I’ve told Clint, I think I want to go back to school when Superi is complete. I need…something. I’m just not sure yet what that is.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 

If I had been Superi’s creator the series would have been completely different, but that’s not to say it would have been better.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

Truth? I’m different than those I grew up with. My family thought it strange that I kept my nose buried in books, and that I was never far from pen and paper. I was told that such things were a waste of time, and that people “like us” didn’t become authors. That my dream was unrealistic and held only disappointment. I started writing because I needed an outlet for all the things I couldn’t say.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

 Thanks to Crystal Thurmon, we have some amazing teasers to share. I’d be happy to show them to you.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

 Yes. I love the Superi series, but I will admit that I miss writing for myself. Over time, the restrictions that come from writing for someone else begins to chafe, and it has its effect on the work.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 

Terry Goodkind, and as I’ve said before, his writing fundamentally changes who you are. He is a true inspiration.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? 

No. Clint knows I prefer to hide behind my computer. He can be the face of Superi. He’s prettier than I am lol.

Who designed the covers? 

Tony Camehl

What was the hardest part of writing your book? 

With Superi, it was the fact that it was someone else’s story. With the poetry collections…Armour is religious, and we all know how touchy that subject can be, and as for Twisted, well, revealing secrets is never easy.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

 That there is a cost to what we do, and that we seldom see the price we’ve paid until the debt has already been collected.

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Be strong enough to bend without breaking. Be smart enough to recognize your ignorance. Know that you will fail before you succeed, and that you will fall countless times before you rise up as the writer you were meant to be.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

 I am quiet, and yet you’ve heard me anyway... for that alone I love you all!

Teaser for book 4

Author Interview with Hunter Marshall

Name: 

Hunter Marshall

Age: 

37

Where are you from:

Idaho

A little about your self i.e. your education Family life etc:
I was born 3 months early with a disability and the doctors told my parents I wouldn’t live, that if I did I wouldn’t amount to anything. My mom, of course, believed I was more than my disability so she pushed and prodded til I reached my full potential. In my family it was either keep up, or eat dust. I have 6 siblings and always fought to keep up with the older ones. I got married and had a baby, something the doctors said would be impossible, survived domestic violence and adultery, played the single-mom game while going to school to get my BS in Social Work. Got remarried in 2008, had my daughter in 2009 and right after that was put on disability due to my already failing physical and mental health( I suffer from Cerebral Palsy, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression). I then decided that, just because I couldn’t do Social Work in the traditional sense, didn’t mean I couldn’t use it so I started writing “Wake Up! Based on a true story of abuse and betrayal” as a form of helping me heal.

Question: Tell us your latest news?

After 3 years of blood, sweat and tears (literally), “Wake Up! Based on a true story of abuse and betrayal” is now available on paperback and ebook!

Question: When and why did you begin writing?

I knew I wanted to be a writer as soon as I could read. I began writing short stories throughout my childhood and by the time I was 25 had 300 plus, but they, along with most of my personal items were burned by a man that hates me.


Question: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I really didn’t until I saw “Wake Up! Based on a true story of abuse and betrayal” in print

Question: What inspired you to write your first book?

Wanting to heal from my past; come to terms with it and to be able to help my son as well

Question: Do you have a specific writing style?

 I would say things that could or already do happen in real life

Question: How did you come up with the title?

 I had a lot of people where I live as me “Do people really do that?” so I want to wake people up that yes, this happens far, far too much and we need to be looking for the warning signs

Question: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Yes. That healing is possible from these kinds of things; You don't "get over it", you "get through it"

Question: How much of the book is realistic? 

All of it--- only the names, dates, and places have been changed to protect privacy

Question:Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? 

my own life

Question: What books have most influenced your life most? 

Those with a real life story that can help others

Question: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

 Rachel Ann Nunes

Question:What book are you reading now?

 “Ferel” By Anne Berkley

Question: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

Amy Harmon

Question: What are your current projects?

 I am currently deciding whether to do a sequel to “Wake Up! Based on a true story of abuse and betrayal” or leave it a a stand alone and change routes-- sad thing, I don’t think I can change routes. This is where my heart lies.
I’m also looking at writing children’s book

Question: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. 

My editor and friend Andrea Strand

Question: Do you see writing as a career? 

yes and no-- yes, because I believe I have something that needs shared and no, because even if I only help one person, then “Wake Up! wasn’t for nothing.

Question: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

 No.

Question: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

Yes, I was in third grade and we were asked to write a story. All I can remember is the title was “Pierre the Crawfish”

Question: Can you share a little of your current work with us? 

 It’s in my head at the moment as I am still hashing out the story line.

Question: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

 Keeping my emotions in check

Question: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 

 I don’t have a favorite author. There are so many I love to read and so many new ones I’ve found

Question: Who designed the covers? 

I did, with the help of my dad who took the picture

Question: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

 Reliving every little detail of my past

Question: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? 

 Healing is possible, but you will never get over the trauma, but you can get through it

Question: Do you have any advice for other writers? 

 Keep going. Write, write and write some more

Question: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

Anything is possible, if you want it bad enough

Question: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it? 

 huntermarshall78.wordpress.com

Author Interview with Laney Smith

Here at Late Night we were very excited to interview Author Laney Smith

Everyone welcome Laney Smith!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Oddly enough, I never really wanted to be a writer. I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to save everyone. When my dad asked me what would happen when I couldn’t save someone, that profound thought sent me to psychology. I wanted to be a criminal profiler. Throughout my life, my family and friends saw the writer in me and encouraged me to write a book. I blew that idea off. Now that I have done it, it blows my mind how addicted to this I am. I wrote a poem that won a place in an anthology when I was about twenty. I didn’t know then what I know now and I don’t even remember the title of that book, sadly. I also went on to write articles for a local newspaper. Fate kept trying to get me to wise up and kept putting these writing situations in my lap. I still missed it. Now, I’m in love with this and hate that I didn’t do it sooner. I can be everything I ever thought about being just by writing stories. This is insane fun.

How long does it take you to write a book?

This varies. I have two books that only took me a month, each, to write. I have also taken longer to write others. It just depends on how much time I have to write and how driving that particular story is. It usually takes me closer to two or three months. If I’m clowning around, it might take five or six months. Promotion sucks a lot of time out of authors. So, we don’t get to write as often as we might like. That’s tough. But, from start to finish, I can say a month to six months.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

If the story is especially gripping, I’m writing unless I’m sleeping. My family is incredibly patient with me when I’m locked in. They will throw food at me and they leave me be when they know it’s crunch time. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I will find a song that inspires a scene or storyline and I will listen to that song on repeat until that scene or storyline is written. I also have photos that inspire certain characters. It is not uncommon for me to have photos on my screen of the people that inspire characters. I try to create as much tangible sensory inspiration as possible. It helps me. 

How do books get published?

With a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Anyone can publish anything. The art is to make it something worth publishing. That takes a lot of investment, in terms of proofreading, editing and formatting. Otherwise, it’s just not going to do you any good, no matter how many books you publish. Createspace and other user friendly platforms help authors get their work out to the world.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Stories happen to me. Sometimes they’re worth pursuing. Other times, not as much. I know when it’s something because I write and I feel the excitement of “Wow! That’s intense.” Other times, I write and I just don’t feel it. I don’t feel like it’s going anywhere or I don’t feel like it’s as interesting as I started out thinking it was. As for where the information comes from, I was raised in a law enforcement household. I got to see a lot of what happens for the officers behind the scenes. That helped me write Derrick Decker’s character. For the other stories, I feel every author has to draw from personal experience, or the experiences of others. I love talking to people because you get to learn things you didn’t know. That helps you write things you don’t necessarily know. When all else fails, you can Google anything under the sun. 

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I started writing my first book in 2013. I published it in July 2014. That made me almost forty.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to do weekend getaways. There is something about going some place new and just existing for a few days. My kids are great about letting me write. So, sometimes, I shut everything down and we go do things they want to do. That has become my favorite thing to do. They give a lot and when I can make it all about them, I love that. 

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very supportive and patient. Since this started, they have been building a wish list. They’re convinced I’ll be a best seller tomorrow. So, they’ve got a list of things they want. It’s very cute to me. It touches my heart that they believe in me that much. I’m determined to prove them right. They deserve that for all of their support and patience. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Probably that when you find what you’re meant to do, everything starts falling in line. When you are on the right path, you smile a lot more than you did before you found yourself. If I never sold another book, I’m thankful for the ride I’ve had to this point. It’s been incredible. However, I’m addicted to this experience, so I’m pretty sure I’m here to stay. I feel like I found myself and I’m having a blast. This is surprising to me because, as I mentioned before, I never saw myself as a writer. I fought it with all I had in me. That was a pretty silly thing to do. 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written seven books and three anthology pieces for two different anthology books. My favorite is tough to say. I love them all for various reasons. Lock Creek: One Year’s Time will always be my first. That book started everything. I look back and see things I could’ve done differently because as you do this more, you learn more. I plan to re-release One Year’s Time, eventually. For what it represents, however, I guess I would have to say that book is my favorite. It’s a maddening love story in the beginning. However, the pay off for what you wait for is richer than a lot of other love stories. By the time it gets where you want it to go, you’ve bonded with these characters in ways you wouldn’t have expected. You know them and they’re your best friends. It isn’t just a story, it is an experience. 

Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Read every day. You pick up so much from others and you don’t even realize it. It will come through in your own writing. I also think everyone should write as though no one will ever see it. You can edit things later. Don’t restrain yourself, worrying about how it sounds or what people will think. Write the story exactly as it comes to you. There is a reason it comes to you the way it does. The things you’re questioning just might be what puts you on the map. Be brave. Be bold. Write it. 

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

This is another addictive aspect of this whole experience. I do hear from readers. I do get the positive feedback. They send me photos of what they visualize the scenes to be, or photos of their book when it arrives at their door. They want to keep the story alive and want to know about when the next book will be out. I love to know that people read my work and have that kind of connection to it. I never specified a state that Lock Creek is in because I wanted everyone to feel like it is their hometown. I love that they do feel that way. 

 
Do you like to create books for adults?

I do. It tends to be more challenging, I think. Maybe that is my fascination with writing for adults. I wrote a short story for young adults/adults for the anthology, The Roses. That’s one of my favorite pieces. So, I’m not locked into writing only for adults. I just write and it is whatever it is. I tend to gravitate toward adult themes, I guess. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I like stories that are realistic – something I can believe. I don’t like it when I can predict everything about a story. You want certain things to be predictable. How you get there doesn’t have to be. In fact, the challenge, to me, is to see how unpredictable I can make it for the reader. I want to have fun when I read. I want to laugh, cry and feel like I gained something from those pages. I try to give what I would want to get.


Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My current project is about a professional baseball player, Ryan Priest, who made some bad decisions in his past. He’s an MVP and his team makes it to the World Series. As far as his team mates are concerned, he reverts to his old ways and ends up costing them the World Series. Everyone turns their back on him and at thirty-five, he finds himself “retired.” Without a family of his own, he returns to his hometown of San Antonio. He makes friends with a seven year old disadvantaged boy who happens to be obsessed with baseball. This Priest is not the kind to hear confessions and ends up having to face the mistakes he’s made in his past. Ryan grows attached to the fatherless child and learns more about himself from the boy than all of his life experiences combined have taught him. Though Ryan has a beautiful girlfriend, he can’t help but find himself having feelings for the little boy’s mother. Though the little boy tries to unite his mother and his friend, when the sparks start flying, Ryan finds himself in another situation that could cost him even more than his career. This could cost him his heart. It is a love story, but this love story is not just between a man and a woman. It’s fun and I’m excited to get it written. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?


Thank you for the relentless support and friendship through this journey, so far. Without you, I would have no purpose for doing any of this. I promise I have not forgotten Lock Creek. I will never forget Lock Creek! Thank you for allowing me to entertain you, and for entertaining me, as well. I’m looking forward to a long future together.

Author Interview with A K Michaels, Ava

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing A K Michaels, Ava, author of Guild of Dragon Warriors, Jaxon’s Sanctuary


Hi Ava, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Hi! I live in Scotland, I’m a wife, mum, nana, and probably one of worst wife’s ever as the kitchen is my mortal enemy! I hate to cook! I love chocolate (too much), like a nice Zinfandel wine every now and then, and I adore our German Shepherd pup, Luna, who is coming up to nine months now. She is a little crazy, so she fits in with us just fine! My work background is actually in finance, working in banking industry in Scotland and then in offshore finance when we lived in Cyprus for several years.

What were you like at school?

Shy, and didn’t much like it. I did love education when I went back to it after our youngest child was born.
Were you good at English?

Funnily enough I was! I loved it and if I was asked for a two page essay, I invariably ended up handing in a five or six page one he he.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I’d love to be able to tell my hubs he can become a ‘house husband’ lol. After all, he’d be far better at it than me! Seriously though, I’ve been very fortunate so far and now it’s just a case of me working hard to build my brand and get my stories into the hands of more and more readers.
Which writers inspire you?

Hmm, this is hard, there are many whose books I adore, but inspire? Difficult, but I’d say maybe George R R Martin - boy what an imagination he has!

So, what have you written?

I’ve just released Guild of Dragon Warriors, Jaxon’s Sanctuary which is book 1 in my eighth series. The other books are also Paranormal with suspense, action, and hot heroes and heroines. All of the series have strong Alpha type males, regardless of whether they’re Wolf Shifters, Vamps, or other supernatural beings. I also like to have my female characters as strong, and not always in need of rescuing, although some do require some help. Rose from The Black Rose Chronicles is a very strong young woman and a kickass assassin. If I’m honest, I’m just a little bit jealous of her lol.

Where can we buy or see them?

These are the links for Jaxon -

Amazon multi region link - smarturl.it/ooavmd

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guild-of-dragon-warriors-jaxons-sanctuary-a-k-michaels/1123133887;jsessionid=BC6CB4D3084FE7F2D5DB2C0F91AF8800.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=2940152722512

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/guild-of-dragon-warriors-jaxon-s-sanctuary-1

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1086472765

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/A_K_Michaels_Guild_of_Dragon_Warriors?id=N-KkCwAAQBAJ

However, all of my books are available on all platforms, like Amazon, iBooks, B & N and Kobo. This is my website which has details of all of my books and links to all retailers. http://www.akmichaels.com and this is link to my Amazon page - http://www.amazon.com/A-K-Michaels/e/B00GVPA8PA

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main male character in Guild of Dragon Warriors, book one, is Jaxon, who is Master of the Guild. He’s a Dragon Shifter who’s devoted his life to taking care of those in need of the Guild’s protection but he’s in for a heck of a shock when he aids some of his Dragons in a woman’s rescue from Demons. That’s where Sidra comes into things, and she is an extremely unique being. One that everyone thought were extinct. She’s got a smart mouth on her and Jaxon definitely acts like an ass at times which equals a not very smooth path ahead for them!

What are you working on at the minute?

I’m working on book two in the Guild of Dragon Warriors, Terigan’s Trials. This is the story of Terigan, Jaxon’s right hand man, or rather, Dragon. He’s ordered to Scotland for a mission by the Dragon’s Goddess, Zeeandra, and he has no idea why. What he finds when he gets there astounds him and he has more than the mission on his mind, and in his dreams.

What genre are your books?

Paranormal Romance, with suspense, action and a plethora of supernatural beings. I rarely write a book that only has one being in them. There are many different kinds, everything from Shifters to Demons and everything in between. My last two series, The Black Rose Chronicles and Guild of Dragon Warriors are also dystopian, set in an apocalyptic world after an inter-species war that ravaged the earth.

What draws you to this genre?

That’s easy to answer. For me, it’s because I can truly let my imagination run wild without the constraints of having humans as the characters. The only limitation is my own mind, and I rarely constrict that. I let it go completely free so that anything is possible, and probable.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Oh gosh this is hard!! Okay, for Jaxon I think Hugh Jackman would be ideal!
How much research do you do?

It depends, as most of my worlds/places are strictly from my own imagination I don’t tend to have to research those. However, I’ve had to get information on things like private jets and stuff like that for some of my books. I spent hours figuring out which one would be ideal for what I needed. I also had to research some Wicca ceremonies, especially for a Handfasting in one of my books. Luckily I had a friend who pointed me in the right direction regarding that.

Have you written any other novels in collaboration with other writers?

I’ve not written in a collaboration, but I’ve been part of a few anthologies. One of which made the New York Times Bestseller list and we donated all monies to the Epilepsy Foundation.



When did you decide to become a writer?

I didn’t really decide as such. It was my therapist who urged me to write out the stories in my head that I would talk about. It took quite some prodding, but I finally sat down to type those first words, and jeez, once I started I couldn’t stop. It was a while after that that I allowed one of my daughters and my sister to read what I’d written and they loved it and kept saying I needed to do something with them. That’s when I started to think that, yes, I could publish.

Why do you write?

Mainly because I love it! But also to get the words and stories out of my head. Every time I finish a story I think, I’ll have a wee break, but dang, then another one pops into my head and if I don’t write it out it gives me a headache!

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

As above

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Full-time. I now work at least ten to twelve hours a day, sometimes more, but it’s not all writing. It’s everything else that goes with being an author. Like liaising with my ‘cover girls’, promoting, editing, having skype calls with my editor who lives in the US, deciding what swag I want made, takeovers, and a host of other stuff. I have very busy days, seven days a week.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

First thing I do is have strong black coffee lol. Then I do my emails, answer messages etc, then I check calendar to see what I’ve got on that day, and once I’ve done that I try and do some housework (boring I know but it’s gotta be done) and then I’ll sit down and write.

Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?

It depends on what other stuff I have going on. Sometimes I write seven days a week, other weeks not as often, it really varies week to week. But I work seven days, even if it’s not writing.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

Nope, when I’m writing I just ‘go with the flow’ and see where it takes me. Sometimes I hammer out a ton of words, others not so much as I stop and ponder a possible change in the storyline etc.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

I’ve got joint problems, so old style typewriter, or longhand is out for me. I have a second hand laptop that I use. This is the second in three years, as I type so much that the keyboard takes a hammering and the letters start to fall off lol.

Where do your ideas come from?

Sometimes a character comes into my head while writing another story, one that I might be wanting to add to that story, but then it blossoms in my head and I realize that nope, it’s a brand new story beginning in my head.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I’m not a planner in any way, shape or form when it comes to writing. I sit and type, and sometimes am surprised at what appears on the screen lol.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

I do like peace and quiet when writing and I help our daughters with childcare and so there are days when it’s impossible to have that silence I crave lol. I tend to do other things when I’ve got the munchkins.



What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Well, in a moment of weakness I agreed with hubs to put our house on the market! Insanity! So the stress of that, together with people traipsing around to view, was very trying for me. I like my own space and having strangers walking around was pretty upsetting for me. So, I had to try and juggle that and get Jaxon ready for release at the same time. I’ll make sure never to do that ever again lol.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

I usually have the ideas for the story already in my head before typing them out. So the concept/storyline is there, just needs to be typed out.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

That depends on everything else that is going on in my life. I can write very fast when I have the time to do so. I was once set a challenge and I wrote one of my books within two weeks.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?

Not writer’s block, but sometimes I’ve got to take a step back and think on things, if a character decides to do something I wasn’t actually expecting lol.

If this book is part of a series, tell us a little about it?

Yes, Guild of Dragon Warriors, Jaxon’s Sanctuary, is book one in my new series. It’s about the Dragon Warriors who pledge their lives to their Goddess, Zeeandra, in protecting anyone who needs their help. It follows their lives, loves, and battles. Each book will be focused on one Warrior, both male and female, with catch ups of others throughout the stories.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?

I love them. I have eight now, some are trilogies, others like The Highland Wolf Clan, are longer.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

I barely have time nowadays, but I do read for a wee while in bed at night. I’ve got quite a few favorites! I love Eden Elsworth, Monica La Porta, Tracey Jackson and I also adore Nav Logan’s epic fantasy series!

For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

I had a kindle from the moment they were available to buy. Mainly because with my joint problems, holding a physical book hurts, so ebooks all the way for me.

Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

Oh no, I have a team of support who I pay. I’m not an electrician so I wouldn’t do anything electrical myself, I’d hire someone who knew what they were doing. I look on editing, cover design, and proofreading in the same way.

Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?

Nope, as soon as I’ve finished I do a quick run through myself, then I send it to my team of Beta readers. Once I get it back from them I then send onto my editor.

Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?

My editor is a wonderful lady called Missy Borucki. I’ve worked with Missy for quite a while now and we have a great working relationship. She never tries to stifle ‘my voice’ in my books, but, if she thinks something isn’t working, or is just ‘wrong’, then she and I will discuss it and I have to admit, she’s usually right lol.
Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.

My ‘cover girls’ are Rebecca and Angel from the Sassy Queens of Design. They’re members of my street team, and a while ago, way back when I was releasing Supernatural Enforcement Bureau, book 1, I was badly let down by a designer. As Becca and Angel had been making me teasers etc, I set them a challenge to make me a cover. They were a little shocked, I think, at me asking, but they rose to the challenge and gave me a gorgeous cover. Now I wouldn’t look anywhere else for anything image related and they are super patient with me if I have any wee niggling queries. They now have a thriving business doing covers, banners, bookmark designs, and a host of other image related items. They’re the ones who also make my trailers - they are super talented!

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Yes, I firmly believe it does. As authors we are selling a ‘product’ i.e. our book, and the first thing people see on any site is the cover, so a professional and eye-catching cover is, in my opinion, crucial.

How are you publishing this book and why?

I’m an Indie. With my OCD issues I couldn’t hand over any of the autonomy regarding my stories. I like to be able to release when I want, have the cover I want, use editor I want. I don’t do well with being told how to do things lol.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

Apart from being able to decide everything like cover, release date, etc, the other main thing is that if I’m successful then I earn the money made. I doubt I’d be happy handing over a chunk of my hard earned cash to someone else.

How do you market your books?

I have a Street Team who help get the word out about my books, and I use events online to hopefully reach new readers. I also use some sites to promote my books throughout the year.

Would you or do you use a PR agency?

I would. In fact I’ve recently contacted one and hoping that things will go smoothly and help get my books more well known.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

It’s just plain hard work. If a site is asking for money to promote your book, don’t just hand it over, go and talk to other authors and see if there’s a good return on using the site. Some ask to be paid but their return is abysmal so it’s not worth it. Word of mouth with other authors is always a good place to start to find out best places to use.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?

I’ve no idea, probably quite a bit, but I can’t put a figure or percentage on it.

What do you do to get book reviews?

I have a Reader’s Group who get ARCs of my books in return for leaving reviews. I love my Minxes! Also, sometimes I do giveaways on my authorpage with a signup form with a free ebook in exchange for a review.

How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

Not too bad. Highland one has over 200 reviews and Jaxon has over 50 so far, and it was only released last week.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

People that ask to join my readers group have to have read and reviewed at least one or two of mine already. I have two of my girls, Sue and Nicola, who look after the Minxes for me and screen anyone wanting to join.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

Good reviews are obviously great!! Bad - well nobody likes a bad review, but I’m aware that you can’t please everyone.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?

I think it’s a great way to get your books out there. I use FB a lot but I’m terrible at using other platforms, mainly because I simply don’t have the time to do them all. If I did then I’d get no writing done at all.

Which social network worked best for you?

Definitely Facebook, for me anyway.

Any tips on what to do and what not to do?

I tend to be professional at all times on FB. My authorpage is a reflection of my business and I approach it the same way I approach any business dealings, with dignity and professionalism. My page is definitely a ‘No Drama’ zone lol.

Did you get interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?

Oh, this is top secret, but I’ve recently been asked to do an interview for The Scots Magazine which has over 240,000 subscribers from all over the World! I’m still in shock, and just waiting to finalize date etc.

Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?

To be honest I’ve asked myself this question many times and I have no idea, I think a lot of it is just pure luck! I’ve read books that are fabulous but the author doesn’t get many sales etc, and when I can I’ll post on my page about the books to tell others just how good they are.

What do you think of “trailers” for books?

I’ve got a few trailers for my series, and my girls, Becca and Angel, are working on new one for Dragon. I love them!
Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?

I’ve got trailers for previous book series and the girls are working on one for this new series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8c1i1GDy9M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF5Ts__zsww
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG91fJIRxkQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ZavwUTD4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVwfvbX12Ak

Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

Yes, I do. I’ve given away literally thousands of books via giveaways and many times the winners will contact me to tell me how much they enjoyed the book and had bought the rest in series. Also, I have the first book in four of my series free, and I see ‘through sales’ every month because of that. A free book will entice someone who will download a book if it’s an author they don’t know, whereas they might not want to fork out money for someone they’ve never read before. Plus, for me, it’s a way to reward readers for their support.

Did you format your own book?

Up until recently I did all my own formatting. However, from the previous series, The Black Rose Chronicles, and this one, I wanted some nice fancy images as chapter headings, section breaks etc. If I had the time I would probably have figured it out lol, but I don’t so I hired someone to do for me.

In what formats is your book available?

Mobi, Epub, paperback, available on all sites.

If formatted by someone else, how did you select them and what was your experience?

I checked out other books formatted by them and when I saw what I liked I contacted them. It’s Casey from Fancypants Formatting, and she’s amazing! She’s also very patient and understanding!

How do you relax?

????? Oh wait I’ll need to go look that up in the dictionary lol. Seriously, I catch up on some TV programmes in the evening, play with Luna, chat with hubs etc. Oh, and eat chocolate!

What is your favorite book and why?

It has to be Enid Blyton’s Famous Five as those are the books that got me hooked on reading as a child.

What is your favorite quote?

Mine lol - Live, Love, Read!

Where can you see yourself in 5 years from now?

Hmm, maybe I’ll have secured a film deal from Spielberg!

What is your favorite movie and why?

Too many to choose lol, I loved Ghost and anything else with Patrick Swayze in it. I also love action and sci fi films like Terminator, Mad Max etc.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be strong, you will make it.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

George R R Martin! Oh and Spielberg! Maybe I could browbeat him into submission lol.

If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

Oh my gosh. Has to be Game of Thrones! I freaking love it!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Stay focused, strong, and have a thick skin. Treat writing like any other business, your books are your product, and they deserve to be the best possible so that means hiring a good editor, cover designer etc.

Where do you see publishing going in the future?

I’m not really sure. There’s rumors galore around at the moment, but they’re that, rumors. Although one I’m excited about is that FB might allow us to sell directly!

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

My thanks to you, I really appreciate you taking the time to help authors.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website: http://www.akmichaels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKMichaelsauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvaKMichaels Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/A-K-Michaels/e/B00GVPA8PA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/akmicaels
Amazon multi region link - smarturl.it/ooavmd
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guild-of-dragon-warriors-jaxons-sanctuary-a-k-michaels/1123133887;jsessionid=BC6CB4D3084FE7F2D5DB2C0F91AF8800.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=2940152722512

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/guild-of-dragon-warriors-jaxon-s-sanctuary-1

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1086472765

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/A_K_Michaels_Guild_of_Dragon_Warriors?id=N-KkCwAAQBAJ
Google plus https://plus.google.com/+AvaKMichaels/posts
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-k-michaels

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Interview with Author Eleanor Lloyd- Jones

Author Eleanor Lloyd- Jones

What inspired you to write your first book?

I have been lucky enough to be born with the creative gene! My parents are both incredibly talented creatively, and I appear to have absorbed some of that! My mum was here to stay over Christmas actually, and we were reminiscing about my need to be creative from being very little. I’ve always loved reading and I guess that has transformed into a love of writing. Apparently I was always writing as a little one, and writing a book is always something I have wanted to do. I guess I just went for it one day. It was in complete secret for a long time, and I didn’t start writing until I was nearing 40… But I thought I’d better do something about it!

Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m not sure really. I love to be descriptive, and I am often very metaphorical when I write. I like to paint pictures with my words, if that makes sense!

How did you come up with the title?
Trial and error really! I sat one day and hashed out a load of options that sounded good, and then whittled them down to Housing Elephants. At first I wasn’t sure I’d chosen the right one, but by the time I had finished writing the book, it seemed to fit perfectly and now I can’t even remember the other options. J

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Housing Elephants is a book about real life more than anything, so there isn’t a moral as such. It more tells the story of real people who have real things happen to them. I suppose it might open people’s eyes to what could be happening to someone they know perhaps…

How much of the book is realistic?
It is completely fictional, but some of the places in the book are based on real places that I have visited myself.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not directly, but some of the feelings that the characters are ones that I have been able to relate to.

What books have most influenced your life most?
The Borribles by Michael de Larrabeiti was the first book that blew me away as a child. I am currently reading it to my class at the moment in fact - I am a teacher. It was so well written that the images I created in my mind as I was reading it as a nine year old are still there now as I read it again (for like the fourth time!)

I am a huge Jodie Picoult fan, and her books The Storyteller and Lone Wolf are two books I love. I have also recently finished a book called How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran. It is just superb, and hilarious! You should definitely check it out!

There are then the obvious ones like One Day by David Nicholls and A Fault in Our Stars… There are too many books to choose from really! Not a bad thing though!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Oh bloody hell! Erm… I do have to say Jodi. I just love how she sees people and into their souls, but I think the more you read, the more you pick things up, so there are probably a bunch of other authors who have influenced me by osmosis!

What book are you reading now?
I am about a third of the way through Us by David Nicholls.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Victoria L James, L J Stock and H A Robinson… all definitely worth checking out.

What are your current projects?
I am currently working on a tricky little story that is keeping me up at night! The female character is really loud in my head, but their story is taking a little while to reveal itself. It doesn’t help that the male protagonist is a moody bugger and is reluctant to let me in!

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The Facebook community. There are so many wonderfully supportive and selfless people out there, present company included, and it blows my mind a little sometimes. So many people give up their time freely to help authors they don't even know, some of them on a daily basis, three or four times a day. It really is humbling and I am so incredibly grateful, and continue to be every day.

Do you see writing as a career?
I would love nothing more! Whether it will happen for me, I do not know. I guess that depends on the exposure and whether I am actually any good! Hehe!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. Ha. It's that simple. Non-authors might not quite understand this, but the book isn’t really something we have much control over. The characters speak to us. They evolve and write their own stories. Some days I’d sit down to write and would pour 3,000 words out and have no idea where they came from. Sometimes, those sneaky characters even throw a curve ball and change the plot for you… that’s when it gets tricky!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I have probably answered this in the first questions I think?

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
**gulp** Really?! Argh… ok… just because it’s you… let me go find something…

Untitled by Eleanor Lloyd-Jones.

Copyrighted to me and all that good stuff… no stealing allowed.

Fiddling nervously with the zip on my jacket as it get’s stuck, I glance up to try to give Dutch an encouraging look, but he is still sitting with his head bowed low on the dining room chair, pulling furiously on a cigarette. My lips draw into a tight thin line and I huff out of my nose. This is going to be unbearable.

“Young man. Get to your feet and lets get this over with.”

There she goes again: full of compassion as always.

I walk towards him and wiggle my fingers in front of his face so he knows I’m there. Squashing the butt of his cig into the ashtray on the table, he grabs a hold of them with his own and gets to his feet, squeezing them gently before one side of his face lifts up sadly. Finally, he meets my eyes with his.

“You got this babes. I promise. You got this.”

He nods once and leads us out of the house, hands back in his pockets and eyes to the floor.

My heart breaks just a little more each time I watch him shut down again. I fear the worst today and worry that I might never get him back, that he will never be able to climb the horrific mountain of grief to the top again where the sun will shine and life will go on. It’s a scary thought and one that I push to the back of my mind immediately.

I follow him dutifully, and step out onto the street.

I knew it would be there, but I do not expect the rush of nausea to sweep over me quite as violently as it does when I take in the sight of the tiny coffin that sits in full view of all of us in the window of the hearse. A single, white heart-shaped wreath leans against it and my hand flies to my mouth. It takes me a few seconds to realise I am still staring, and I pull my gaze away, turning to face Dutch who is standing steely and still, the muscles in his jaw flexing with what I know to be heightened emotion. It’s a mixture of anger and heartache, and I just want to fling my arms around him and sob for him. Of course I know better.

Pulling myself together as much as I can, and clearing my throat lest it give away the fact that I am on the verge of tears, I tug at his sleeve to wrench him from his grief-filled trance.

“Come on.”

He bites down on his back teeth before dragging a weary breath in through his nose and turning to follow me.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes. When the characters clam up. When they refuse to tell you what is going on. Or, as I just said, if they change the plot!

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I think I have probably answered this one too J

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
So far no. Wouldn’t it be just delicious to be able to fly to the Bahamas just for research though! **rubs hands together and formulates a plan**

Who designed the covers?
Oh my… the most wonderful person… She is called L J Stock and she is a genius. She is also one of the most giving and amenable people I have ever come across. You should check out her work here…

https://www.facebook.com/ljd2015/?fref=ts

She really is awesome!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Hmm… The hardest to write was the middle section I think. I knew how it started and I knew how I wanted it to end, and I just had to figure out how to get there. Turns out the characters did that for me eventually.

The hardest to write emotionally... Well there were quite a few moments where I had to step away and take a breather because I was so involved in what was evolving. It was touch and go in some scenes and I had to sit with tissues next to my laptop!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes. I learned that I can do it. A lot of the time I feel like I am a bit of a fraud! But I think on completing it, I realized that I deserved to be out there as much as the next person, because actually, I wrote it for me. If other people like it too, then that's a huge bonus and a huge compliment, but essentially I wrote a book that I would like to read, and that’s ok with me.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write. Write. Write. Every day if you can, even if it is just 100 words. Just get it down. It doesn't matter if it isn’t perfect – you can fix it later. Just write it. Take photos, make notes of anything and everything that catches your eye and keep hold of it because it might just be the inspiration you need one day. And when you’re not doing those things, read. Read as much as you can. And then sleep! J

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. Which doesn’t seem to cut it really. I have received some incredible feedback from Housing Elephants, and I have been blown away by some of the comments, really blown away. I just am so grateful that you have taken a chance on little old me and I hope you continue to enjoy my words.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

I didn’t have to do much research for this one. A little bit, but nothing that Google couldn’t handle! Fitting the plot together was challenging because I had never written so many words together, so continuity was hard. The Blurb was a NIGHTMARE! How the hell do you sum up 100,000 words into three paragraphs?! Eurgh! But bringing it to life was the exciting bit and the characters kinda did that by themselves.

Emotionally though, it broke me! It was so draining… but in a very good and satisfying way!

Anything else you would like to add?

Just a huge thank you to you for having me, for giving me this opportunity and for the exposure and pimping. You guys rock! <3