Author/Artist Interviews

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Interview with Ada Adams

About the Author:

“Many people sing in the shower. I, on the other hand, write scenes in my head and act them out.”

At age five, Ada read her first chapter book – Pippi Longstocking. Ever since that moment, she developed an intense passion for the stories and characters found within the pages of literature.

In her career as an actress and a writer, Ada currently spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning, and has attained Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Master’s of Science in Education.

Ada strives to bring a fresh voice and perspective to fiction. She has been writing creatively for many years. “ReVamped” is her debut novel.

She lives in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys adventurous nature hikes with her adorable puppies Cara and Oreo.

Revamped Interview

Indiewritersreview: Hello, welcome to Indiewritersreview! It is truly an honor to have you here!

Ada Adams: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.

Indiewritersreview: I first wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am a fan and I loved your book!

Ada Adams: Aww, thank you very much. I’m truly humbled by your kind words.

Indiewritersreview: I want to start off with the basics, (It’s a two part question), and so how long have you been writing? And second when did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

Ada Adams: I have had an interest in writing ever since I learned to read. Upon picking up my first batch of novels, I discovered that I had found a vessel into various wonderful worlds—some magical, others dealing with real-life issues, but all absolutely enthralling! I enjoyed meeting the characters that authors had crafted, and soon found myself creating my own unique worlds and characters. Writing is a very powerful tool which helps me stretch my imagination. I’m constantly thinking about new plot ideas and quirky characters, so if I didn’t put it all on paper, I would probably seem a little nuts in real life!

Despite having two academic degrees, I have always found myself drawn to creative fields—especially acting and writing. I think that I have always known that I wanted to pursue this professionally; it was only a matter of time until I finally admitted it to myself and jumped in feet first (or maybe head first?—whichever one is scarier!) into it.

Indiewritersreview: Okay, wonderful! Ada, I am sure that you have heard this question before; how do you come up with your ideas?

Ada Adams: I’m often inspired by visual things, but I’m also a dreamer. A lot of my ideas are derived from my overactive imagination. I was the type of child that could always find a way to entertain myself within my own mind. When my family went away on summer vacations, my brother would constantly beg for someone to play with him, while I would spend hours floating in the lake or the ocean and amusing myself with different story scenarios about mermaids and shipwrecks. Most of my ideas come to me in movie-form first before I put them down on paper. “ReVamped” actually started as an idea for a quirky comedy about a group of misfit vampires. Of course, a lot has changed since I turned it into a novel.

Indiewritersreview: What is your writing schedule like?

Ada Adams: I try to keep a regular schedule when I’m working on a certain project. I often write “full-time” from 9-5, then take a break for some evening relaxation. However, I find myself back in front of the computer on most evenings, and am very prone to all-nighters. I work really in the quiet of the night. I love the solitude that it provides, and somehow, my brain and my characters seem to be most active in the middle of the night!

Indiewritersreview: What Revamped? What is the story behind the story?

Ada Adams:

I wanted to put a bit of a different spin on the genre we all love so dearly. I drew inspiration from our society’s obsession with vampires and thought about what would happen if, due to the fact that they felt completely adored by the public, vampires decided to “come out of the coffin”. I figured that, most likely, we would treat them like celebrities. However, we already have so many wonderful novels about perfect vampire beings, so I wanted to try something a little different—something fun and funny. Therefore, I came up with the concept of vampires who are not so perfect (the misfits) and the girl responsible for revamping them.

Indiewritersreview: Do you have any advice for those new to writing? Or who may be interested in trying the Indie field?

Ada Adams: Many people have a passion for writing, but are too afraid to pursue it for fear of failing. I always believe that it’s best to “just write”. If writing truly fulfills you, I don’t think that you can ever fail in the endeavor. The only way to truly fail is to never write anything. You don’t necessarily have to quit your day job (or school) and spend all your time writing, but if you have a story to tell, don’t be afraid to follow that dream. Start a journal, enroll in a workshop, join an online community of writers—do whatever it takes to motivate yourself to achieve your writing goals. As well, don’t be afraid to break the mold and try something different. Yes, not fitting into a mold is risky, but taking a chance on something unique can not only turn out to be rewarding, but can also be a lot of fun. These are simply my personal opinions and tips. What works for me may not work for everyone else. Find your personal inspiration and use it!

I chose to go the indie route due to the fact that I knew shopping around a vampire novel—no matter how unique or different it may be—would take years. I really wanted to get Dawn’s story out to readers, and I definitely do not regret my choice. I would just advise that you have to be prepared for a lot of hard work, as you have to be your own team (especially when it comes to marketing and PR). Overall, it has been a very rewarding experience, because it has provided me with an opportunity to meet some great bloggers, writers, and readers. Before I published “ReVamped”, I had no clue just how large the reading and writing community truly was. I feel very lucky that I’m able to get to know you all!

Indiewritersreview: Ada, thanks so much for joining us today, we appreciate you stopping by!

Ada Adams: Thank you very much for having me! I had a great time! Happy reading!

Indiewritersreview: There you have it book family, Ada Adams, author of Revamped!

Go grab a copy today! and of course:) Happy reading all!:)

www.revampedbook.com

www.facebook.com/revampedbook

www.twitter.com/Ada_Adams

www.goodreads.com/book/show/13495198-revamped

      Interview with KaSonndra Leigh

Hi KaSonndra, thanks for coming to the blog today!

1) Could you give me five words to describe yourself?

Mother. Dreamer. Sister. Friend. Omniscient.

2) When you’re not being an author, what do you usually do?

Haha. I don’t think there’s ever a time when I’m not an author. I mean, there’s always a story or something happening in my head. I even have to carry around a little purple notebook to jot it all down. But at some point, I have to force my inner muse to be quiet. That’s when I like to spend time with my family and play Xbox games. Wanna know my favorite? You probably won’t guess, but its Tomb Raider and Halo. I even travel to competitions with my sons. I’m an eternal kid I think.

3) How and why did you start writing?

I’ve always been one to tell stories. I mean, my grandmother used to listen to me make up some really big ones. My make-believe world was a great way for me to escape. When I was younger, life was different and not always so easy. So I escaped by using my imagination. Fast forward a bit. I attempted to write and publish my first story when I was 19. It was the worst story ever. No plot, no action, cardboard characters. Many years later, I decided to get a formal education because I want to teach in a foreign country one day. I decided to pull that old manuscript out of the drawer and give it a look-see. Well, I rewrote it and my love for writing was suddenly reborn. Just like that. I’ve always admired other writers like Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, etc. but to attempt it myself was really scary. In the end, I’m glad I did it though. I can’t myself doing anything else.

4) Wow, it really took a lot of guts to pursue what you really wanted to do. Can you briefly explain what When Copper Suns Fall is about?

The story follows Chela, a young girl who lives in a rebuilt society. She has recently learned that both she and her sick brother have certain powers. In Chela’s society, a place created from an apocalyptic war between good and bad nephilim, any type of supernatural power is illegal. Anyone thought to be related to a celestial creature will either be killed or exiled. So imagine Chela’s shock after she learned her father, a leader in the governing body, has been hiding his children’s secret. But in defense of Chela’s dad, I’ll say he had a reason for keeping them both in the dark. It’ll be up to Chela to save her brother without being discovered. Enter handsome, dashing demon slayer (*Ahhh* my type!: P) along with a best guy friend who’d walk the wire for her and Chela is all set!

5) What’s the story behind it? Inspiration?

When I sat down and began writing When Copper Suns Fall, the story was a standard in-your-face, super-high fantasy. It came complete with blue creatures, unicorns, princes, and all that. Chela’s name was Cara and Faris had a name that has been overused lately. I wasn’t trying to be fad girl or the Lady Gaga of the writing world. But rather, I was trying to write the story I always wanted to read. One that came to life when my oldest son asked me: “What if angels that looked like people lived in a dystopian society?” The seeds were planted, the lights in my muse’s apartment lit up. The challenge was on. I asked myself: “How do I stick to an urban setting with fantastical elements, but bring my love of dystopia into play?”

6) Was When Copper Suns Fall your very first novel? If not, then what are the others about?

Copper Suns wasn’t the first novel I wrote. There were 3 others before this one. I guess that’s why people say it doesn’t seem like the author’s first novel because it’s not. There was the embarrassing one I mentioned in question #3. And then there was one I wrote about a girl from Louisiana. Finally, there’s a paranormal thriller/romance that’ll be released sometime around March of this year. It’s called Hacienda Moon. I’m very excited about that one.

7) Why Dystopian YA? Why not, say, paranormal romance or urban fantasy or dystopian adult fiction where the first two are the more trending genres?

Well, depending on whom you ask Copper Suns is more of an urban fantasy than a dystopian. The magical element, city setting, kick butt heroines…all that adds up to urban fantasy. In question 5, I mentioned a blurb about this briefly. But the story is really a cross-genre between urban fantasy and dystopian. It was about giving the reader something different, something new. In the end, some people won’t get it, but others really really love it. That’s a wonderful feeling for an author of indie or traditionally published novels.

8) What is your favorite part/scene/quote/phrase in When Copper Suns Fall?

Ah, but there are so many I consider my favorites. I’d have to say the scene where Chela and Faris realize their affection for each other has grown beyond the standard protector/protectee mode is my favorite. There’s something that happens during that scene that’s just soooo much fun to go back and read again.

9) Did you base any of your characters on real life people/experiences? Which ones?

Most authors will say that they didn’t. You know, legal issues and things are attached to those kind of statements. But in reality, we always do. You plot, story, and especially characters are extensions of your life experiences. In some small way, most stories are based on people we know or have met. At least, that’s my opinion anyway.

10) What was the hardest part in your path to becoming an author?

There were many obstacles. But I’d have to say getting readers to trust in a multi-cultural take on a young adult story has been the toughest. My characters are from multiple nationalities, there’s someone for everyone in the book. At first, I was told that would be an obstacle. But then, a magical thing happened. Fans, readers, haters (lol) from all over the world wrote to tell me how much they loved the characters. That’s a score in my book. Mission accomplished.

11) What is the one question that you’ve always wanted to be asked about in interviews? What would your answer to it be?

What movie do you think would’ve made a great book? This question is usually asked the other way around. Most people want to know about what book to movie did you enjoy the best, right? With that being said, I have no idea what my answer to that question would be. There’s just too many movies whirling around my little brain. LoL

12) Where can readers buy your book?

You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Smashwords. There’s also a giveaway going on at goodreads until 1/12 where you can win a paperback copy signed by me! Thank you for inviting me to your blog today. It’s been lots of fun.
Thanks again for coming, KaSonndra! Also Fam:) Check out the Book trailer video of When Copper Suns Fall!

Interview with Kinley Baker

Kinley read her first romance novel at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero. After focusing on nonfiction in high school and college, earning her a degree in creative writing, she returned to her first love and devoured hundreds of romance novels. When they stopped ending the way she wanted, she took the plunge into fiction.

Fantasizing about other men didn’t sit well with her after meeting her husband, so Kinley now writes happily-ever-afters for others. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the gloriously rainy Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy.

Reviews

5 STARS & A TOP PICK! from The Romance Reviews.

“If you like fantasy with elements of historical and paranormal romances, this IS the book for you, no doubt about it! If I were incredibly rich, I would buy this book for everyone to read . . . To be honest, I loved this book and I can’t wait to read it again and again.”
—Zenith from The Romance Reviews. For the full review CLICK HERE.

5 out of 5 Fairy Kisses! from Tink’s Place.

“Ruined captured my heart as the two young lovers struggle to be together. Paranormal romance lovers as well as historical lovers should give this one a try. I’m glad I did. This is Kinley Baker’s debut novel, and I hope there is much more to come from this author. 5 out of 5 fairy kisses.”

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Kinley Baker

Indiewritersreview:  Hello, welcome to Indiewritersreview! It is truly an honor to have you here!

Kinley Baker: I appreciate the opportunity to visit. I’m happy to be here!

Indiewritersreview: I first wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am a fan and I loved your book!

Kinley Baker: Wow! Thank you!

Indiewritersreview: I want to start off with the basics, (It’s a two part question), and so how long have you been writing? And second when did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

Kinley Baker: I wrote my first book in 2008. I always knew I wanted to publish from the beginning. I’m not sure why. Some instinct always insisted I should write romance novels. Once I finished a book it was about learning the steps to make my manuscript a novel. Ruined was the third manuscript I completed and the first published.

Indiewritersreview: Okay, wonderful! Kinley, I am sure that you have heard this question before; how do you come up with your ideas?

Kinley Baker: I think it comes from being a major worrier and constantly battling the what-ifs in real life. But other than that, I see characters first. Specifically for Ruined, I remember thinking at the beginning that I wanted to write a story about a king who struggled to accept the amount of power he was granted.

Indiewritersreview: What is your writing schedule like?

Kinley Baker: I write about three to five hours a day on weekdays and usually fifteen to twenty hours over the weekend. Same if I’m revising or working on edits. This all depends on the project and what’s going on. But I try to always be writing, revising, or editing.

Indiewritersreview: What inspired Ruined: Shadowed Love Book 1? What is the story behind the story?

Kinley Baker: I love paranormal romances, but I wanted to write something a little different. I wanted to create an entirely new realm full of shadows, mystery, and scandal. I took the Shadow Shifters from the Mortal realm in the 600s into a different realm, so the society is simpler in some ways but also full of complications and magic. Once I realized I was writing high fantasy, I embraced it, but my novels will always be romances at the core.

Indiewritersreview: Do you have any advice for those new to writing? Or who may be interested in trying the Indie field?

Kinley Baker: Keep learning more about the craft. This is advice I take to heart by constantly reading craft books and hearing feedback from my critique partners, beta readers, and Editor.

Indiewritersreview: Kinley, thanks so much for joining us today, we appreciate you stopping by!

Kinley Baker: Thank you for the great interview! I enjoyed answering the questions. J

Indiewritersreview: There you have it book family, Kinley Baker, author of Ruined: Shadowed Love Book 1!

Go grab a copy today! and of course:) Happy reading all!:)

NOW CHECK OUT AUTHOR KINLEY BAKER’S COOL BOOKTRAILER!

INTERVIEW WITH DAVID ESTES

Author Bio:  David Estes was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was very young.  He grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college.  Eventually he moved to Sydney, Australia where he met his wife.  A reader all his life, he began writing novels for the children’s and YA markets in 2010.  David is a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table.

Indiewritersreview:  Hello, welcome to Indiewritersreview!

Indiewritersreview! It is truly an honor to have you here!

David Estes: The honor is all mine, thanks so much for talking to me today, and for your positive review of my first book, Angel Evolution.

Indiewritersreview: I first wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am a fan and I loved your book!

Indiewritersreview: I want to start off with the basics, (It’s a two part question), and so how long have you been writing? And second when did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

David Estes:  In the back of my mind, I always had this crazy notion that someday I would write books for a living, but I always found some excuse not to write.  I moved to Sydney two and a half years ago for work and met my wife, who helped convince me to start writing in late 2010.  Now she can’t get me to stop!

So I’m pretty much obsessed with writing now and want nothing more than to become a full time writer.  I published my first three books in October 2011 as a trilogy (The Evolution Trilogy: Angel Evolution, Demon Evolution, and Archangel Evolution).  I’ve also written four children’s books in a series which are in the final review stages at a large children’s book publisher here in Australia (fingers crossed, they are interested!).  I also wrote a YA suspense, comedy, paranormal (throw in whichever other genres you’d like) book that I haven’t decided what to do with yet.  And I just finished my 9^th book a couple of weeks ago, a YA dystopian novel that I’m really excited about.  It’s current being read by my beta readers for feedback.  So that’s 9 books in about 16 months–yeah, I think obsessed is the right word!

Once I started writing, I think I knew pretty much right away that it was what I wanted to do with my life.  It’s just who I am!  When I’m in the throes of a writing session (I mean like living, breathing, feeling the characters, the plot, the drama), it’s the most amazing feeling in the world for me.

Indiewritersreview: What inspired Angel Evolution? What is the story behind the story?

David Estes: I was inspired to write Angel Evolution by my wife, Adele.  Before I met her, I never believed I would have an idea good enough to write about.  She convinced me to pursue my first idea and just go with it and see where it would take me.  The Evolution Trilogy was born!  When I first started writing Angel Evolution, I had no clue that it might turn into a one thousand page trilogy.  The more I wrote, the more the story took on a life of its own and some of the characters changed in ways I never expected.

My new book ideas come to me in many different ways: in dreams, random thoughts, in the shower, while I’m writing something else, from things I observe while I’m walking down the street.  You never know when a great idea will come to you, so you always have to be ready to write it down.  I use my iPhone to keep track of all my book ideas.  I have more than 20 book ideas now (many of which are possible trilogies or series), so look for a lot more to come from me!

Indiewritersreview: Do you have any advice for those new to writing? Or who may be interested in trying the Indie field?

David Estes: My advice is that if you love writing then just do it.  Don’t worry about what people will think of it or whether anyone but your spouse, mom, or dog will like it.  Do it because you love words.  Even if you entertain only one person with your story, it will be well worth it—that I can promise you!

Particularly in the Indie field I think a lot of people get frustrated because their books aren’t selling, or they get a few bad reviews.  I know I’ve been there before.  My advice is to go back to basics.  Why you are writing; what is most important; who your audience is.  Start slow and don’t put too high a value on all your hard work.  Building a strong fan base is a long process for most.  If you keep at it, give away lots of free books, and respect your true fans, you’ll find a measure of success.

Indiewritersreview: David, thanks so much for joining us today, we appreciate you stopping by!

David Estes: It has truly been a pleasure.  I look forward to having your review my future books.

Indiewritersreview: There you have it book family, David Estes, author of Angel Evolution!

(Copy&Paste)

Links to Books:  My books are available on Amazon.com in print and anywhere e-books are sold (Kindle, iBooks, Nookbooks, Smashwords.com, etc.)!  Here are a few links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Evolution-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B006140LEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329377050&sr=8-1

Amazon (print): http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Evolution-Book-One-Trilogy/dp/1466422777/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1329377050&sr=8-4

Nook Books (Barnes & Noble): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angel-evolution-david-estes/1106958983

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95245

Social Media:  While I don’t particularly enjoy promoting my books, I really enjoy connecting with my readers.  I do it via my blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Book Blogs.  See below for links to where you can find me at all of those places.  If you send me a message, I will respond.  (I take this promise more seriously than any other!)

(Click:)

Like me on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Estes/130852990343920

Follow my Blog:  http://davidestesbooks.blogspot.com/

Follow me on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/davidestesbooks

Follow me on Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/davidestesbooks

LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/author/estesdavid

Friend me on Book Blogs:  http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/DavidEstes

Go grab a copy today! and of course:) Happy reading all!:)

INTERVIEW WITH MIKALA GIBSON

Indiewritesreview: Ms. Gibson, welcome to Indiewritersreview! We are so pleased and honored that you stopped by!

Mikala Gibson: Thanks for having me!

Indiewritersreview: Ms. Gibson, we will begin with the basics. How did you become involved in acting?

Mikala Gibson: I’ve been acting since I was a little girl. I was always involved in church and school productions. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I became serious about my craft and knew that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career. My parents escorted me to local plays and enrolled me in acting classes and then I eventually earned a theater scholarship from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater.

Indiewritersreview: How many roles have you performed throughout your career? Are you satisfied with them?

Mikala Gibson: WOW! Let’s see…between theater and film I probably have been in about 50 productions. Satisfied? Well, I’m satisfied with the type of roles that I’ve had an opportunity to explore. That has been a learning experience and a blessing. I’ve portrayed everyone from a concerned wife and mother to an exotic dancer. Being an actor has taught me not to be judgmental. There is a reason behind all of our actions. Exploring the reasoning behind many of my characters actions and motivations has definitely humbled me.

Indiewritersreview: How many films have you acted in to date?

Mikala Gibson: Eleven I believe.

Indiewritersreview: Tell us about your current project. You have just completed a movie correct?

Mikala Gibson: Yes. I’m super excited about this project! The name of the film is WOLF.

Indiewritersreview: Wonderful! Can you tell us what it is about?

Mikala Gibson: Wolf is about a family struggling to put the pieces back together again after finding out the son has been molested. I play Nona, the mother.

Indiewritersreview: This is an independently produced film correct?

Mikala Gibson: Yes.

Indiewritersreview: What are the challenges in working in an Independent film? What are the benefits?

Mikala Gibson: The biggest challenge is obtaining money. I come across so many talented independent filmmakers who have edgy, out the box stories and screenplays but it is so hard for them to raise money to produce their films. It is so important for us to support independent film, so these amazing artists can continue blessing us and challenging us with entertaining and thought provoking stories. The benefit of working in independent film is that in most cases the director has creative freedom.

Indiewritersreview: You have had some good news regarding this film correct? What is it?

Mikala Gibson: Yes! WOLF will premiere at the SXSW film festival in Austin, TX on March 11^th.

Indiewritersreview: Congratulations! This is so exciting! Yes?

Mikala Gibson: Yes! SXSW is a big film festival so it’s an honor to be invited to premiere there.

Indiewritersreview: Has things begun to change since receiving this news? How have things changed? And how are you and your family handling it?

Mikala Gibson: Well, I have had several directors contact me about possibly being in their next production since the WOLF trailer has come out. That’s exciting! Hopefully more interest will come after the film is released.

Indiewritersreview: So when will the festival be held?

Mikala Gibson: March 9^th – 17^th. Wolf is playing on March 11^th, 13^th and 16^th.

Indiewritersreview: There will be a screening also in Dallas is this correct? When? Who will be there? (Can we get the scoop:)

Mikala Gibson: I’m sure there will be soon. I will definitely let you know.

Indiewritersreview: Ms. Gibson, what advice will you give to someone looking to break into your industry?

Mikala Gibson: Study, study, study!!!! Get into classes. Go to plays. Go to the movies. And don’t give up. If you’re called to be in this industry then your opportunity will come around. Trust.

Indiewritersreview: Now Ms. Gibson, this is a book blog for YA, so my question is have any book or author influenced you, and your choice of careers?

Mikala Gibson: Yes! The Artist’s Way was one of my text books in college. Every artist should read it! I probably pick it up once a week. It sits next to my bible on my table- that’s how important it is to me. I love this book because it always reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing. My favorite quote from the book is, “Creativity is God’s gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.”

Indiewritersreview: Have you ever considered writing a book (I know that you are also a writer)

Mikala Gibson: I actually have considered it. My favorite author is J. California Cooper. She inspired me to write short stories. A few of my short stories and poems have been published. I would love to write a book of poems one day. Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni are my favorite poets.

Indiewritersreview: Awesome! Well, Mikala thanks so much for stopping by and we wish you all the luck with Wolf!  Please keep us posted:)

There you have it Book Fam, Mikala Gibson, Writer, Actress and lead actress of the new Independent film, Wolf coming to the South by Southwest Independent Film Festival! Also, book lover:)

As always family happy reading:)

Author Interview with J.L.Manning of The Night Watchman

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J.L. MANNING OF THE NIGHT WATCHMAN

Hello, welcome to Indiewritersreview! It is truly an honor to have you here!

J.L. Manning:It’s an honor to be recognized by Indiewritersreview.

Indiewritersreview: I first wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am a fan and I loved your book!

Indiewritersreview: I want to start off with the basics, (It’s a two part question), and so how long have you been writing? And second when did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

J.L. Manning:I’ve been writing for almost eight years.  I started writing to keep my mind active.  I had a redundant job like most do, but I could feel my mind slowing down.  I took some graduate classes after I started my first book.  I do realize now that I should have had more classes to refine my skills.  Experience and the negative reviews are the best way to learn, but I do wish I learned some lessons sooner.

I realized that I wanted to keep writing after the first book.  The feeling of accomplishment and that others will enjoy my stories felt great…

Indiewritersreview: Okay, wonderful! Mr. Manning, I am sure that you have heard this question before; how do you come up with your ideas?

J.L. Manning:I had the idea of becoming an author before I imagined actually being one.  I was dreaming a lot of being at wild places and going on adventures that I can’t for see me actually doing.  I’ve dreamt of Mars and what it would be like in such low gravity.  Extreme Sports get really Extreme in my first New Mars book.

I got the idea for The Night Watchman after finding out about a technology that I thought would help me with my disabilities.  I did find that it wasn’t for me, but read about how the Watchman in this book took advantage of it.

Indiewritersreview: What is your writing schedule like?

J.L. Manning:I’m not the kind of writer that has to keep writing until the book is finished.  I do like to think that I have life other than the ones in my books.  I need to set a time to write, so I stick with it.  It is hard not having a boss to tell me, “Now I Expect to see that chapter finished to day.”

Indiewritersreview: What inspired The Night Watchman?What is the story behind the story?

J.L. Manning:I mentioned the technology that is real, but I fictitiously represented how it affects the character in this book.  I did wish that I could use the “Nero Stimulator” technology to improve myself.  At last it wasn’t for be, but I did  have fun writing about a character with my background using the technology to better himself. I had to make the book interesting, so I depicted how this technology made the character better than the average man.  From the tittle you could imagine that he used his abilities to fight street crime.

Indiewritersreview: Do you have any advice for those new to writing? Or who may be interested in trying the Indie field?

J.L. Manning: Use an editor…to proof your work and to refine your characters.  Keep writing different about what you love and find different ways to express yourself in your writings.

Indiewritersreview: Mr. Manning, thanks so much for joining us today, we appreciate you stopping by!

J.L. Manning: Really…I appreciate the attention you are giving my books.  Thank You…

Indiewritersreview: There you have it book family, J.L. Manning, author of The Night Watchman!

Go grab a copy today! and of course:) Happy reading All!:)

Author bio: In addition to being a YA author, Lisa Nowak is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are. She enjoys dark chocolate and stout beer and constantly works toward employing wei wu wei in her life, all the while realizing that the struggle itself is an oxymoron.

Lisa has no spare time, but if she did she’d use it to tend to her expansive perennial garden, watch medical dramas, take long walks after dark, and teach her cats to play poker. For those of you who might be wondering, she is not, and has never been, a diaper-wearing astronaut. She lives in Milwaukie, Oregon, with her husband, four feline companions, and two giant sequoias.

Lisa Nowak
Author of:
RUNNING WIDE OPEN http://amzn.to/RWOAmazon
GETTING SIDEWAYS http://amzn.to/GSAMAZON

Blog: http://lisanowak.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lisa_Nowak
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaNowakAuthor

Book description:

 Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the flashpoint of racing fuel, and it’s landed him at his uncle’s trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night?

What Cody doesn’t expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he’s been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he’s come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he’s ever dared to trust.

Indiewritersreview: Hello, welcome to Indiewritersreview! It is truly an honor to have you here!

Lisa Nowak: Thank you, Michelle. I’m so happy you invited me.

Indiewritersreview: I first wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am a fan and I loved your book!

Lisa Nowak: Thank you. That’s always good to hear.

Indiewritersreview: I want to start off with the basics, (It’s a two part question), and so how long have you been writing? And second when did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

Lisa Nowak: I started writing poetry when I was about eight or nine. I attempted my first book in seventh grade—a story about a 13-year-old girl and her telepathic cat who got abducted by aliens. I never finished it, but I kept on writing all through high school. Mostly in math class. No wonder I got ‘C’s in algebra and trig.

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in the third grade. At that time, a relative gave my brother, sister, and me a cassette recorder to play with. We each had our own tape. I dictated stories onto mine, and in one, a character grew up to be “the best book writer in the world.” I think that was the first time I verbalized the idea of becoming a writer, though my ambitions aren’t nearly as lofty as my character’s were.

Indiewritersreview: Okay, wonderful! Lisa, I am sure that you have heard this question before; how do you come up with your ideas?

Lisa Nowak: Snippets of real life. People I know, incidents that made an impression on me, universal truths I want to explore. One idea for a book I haven’t published yet came from an agent telling me he couldn’t sell my work because it wasn’t “edgy” enough. In that case, it was the challenge. I enjoy writing from the male perspective best, and I feel compelled to tell the stories of kids who are in difficult situations, looking for people to care about them.

Indiewritersreview: What is your writing schedule like?

Lisa Nowak: In the spring, summer, and fall, I’m a landscaper, so I don’t get much writing done. Mostly just revisions, though there is a bit of a slump in August and September when I have more opportunity for creative stuff. In the winter, I write full-time. Or I should say, I used to. Since I’ve published my first book, a lot of hours go into marketing, social networking, formatting, etc. As for what a writing day looks like for me, I grab my laptop when I first get up, and I look over what I finished the day before. I often have a little more brain-power first thing in the morning. Later, I tackle email—quite a task, since I often get over 100 a day—then I do a bit of marketing and get back into writing. If I’m lucky and my husband makes dinner, I might get to work on that until 7:00 PM. The evening is more marketing and email stuff, putting out fires that got out of control while I was caught up in my fictional world, and a good long walk, where I note my ideas on my digital recorder. (I tend to think most clearly when I’m walking.) I might catch an hour or so of TV to unwind. Sometimes, after my husband goes to bed, I’ll get a second wind and do a little more writing, or tackle some of the promotional stuff that keeps piling up without end. I’m a slow writer (about 800-1000 words per day) so I need to grab every minute I can to get my books finished in a timely manner.

Indiewritersreview: What inspired Running Wide Open (Full Throttle)? What is the story behind the story?

Lisa Nowak: I got interested in cars when I bought my first one (a ’72 Gremlin) at the age of 18. Learning how to work on them was a natural extension of the independent streak I’d always had. That led to an interest in racing, which led to the local stock car track, Eugene Speedway. I liked what I saw and set a goal of building a car and getting out there. A year later, I’d done it. What I didn’t expect was to discover a community of people who were big-hearted and totally committed to family. That was something I’d been seeking for a long time, since my own family wasn’t exactly the Waltons. I found myself drawn in and accepted. As one of the characters in my book says, “family is everything to us racers. If you happen to lack one, someone just takes you into theirs.” My experience at Eugene Speedway meant so much to me I wanted to share it, to give the world a peak into this microcosm I’d discovered.
Indiewritersreview: Do you have any advice for those new to writing? Or who may be interested in trying the Indie field?

Lisa Nowak: If you’re going to go indie, be professional. Just because you can easily publish any old thing doesn’t mean you should. Find beta readers, incorporate their feedback, get your book professionally edited, and have an eye-catching cover designed. Either learn how to properly format a book or pay someone else to do it. Indie authors are fighting hard to get respect from the traditional crowd. Don’t give the naysayers any more ammunition. This is a business, same as if you were repairing small equipment or providing a catering service. Take pride in your work and provide your customer with a quality product. There are plenty of people out there who can help. If you can’t do it yourself, and can’t afford to pay for it, find someone who is willing to trade for something you’re skilled at.
Indiewritersreview: Lisa, thanks so much for joining us today, we appreciate you stopping by!

Lisa Nowak: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure.

Indiewritersreview: There you have it book family, Lisa Nowak, author of Running Wide Open (Full Throttle)!

Go grab a copy today! And of course:) Happy reading All!:)

WHERE TO FIND THIS GREAT BOOK?

Sales links:http://amzn.to/RWOAmazon

http://bit.ly/RWOBarnesandNoble

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63863

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lisa_Nowak

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