My Book Place

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I have an older sister and younger brother. I also have a dog, Lola and a rescue cat named Penny.

I have a neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which creates challenges in my daily life and causes me to have to use a wheelchair. But I refuse to let SMA stop me from doing what I love or define me. I’m not the girl with SMA who writes. I’m the writer who just so happens to have SMA.

Death by Midnight is my first book, which has been a blast to write. It is the first book in The Secret Life of Anna Goode series and I'm already planning book two.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to start writing first thing in the morning. If I don't, I won't be able to write the rest of the day.

What authors have influenced you?
Rick Riordan and Anthony Horowitz. I love Riordan's sense of humor and how he makes his characters so three-dimensional, and Horowitz can fill his story with such suspense it's palpable.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep reading and writing. It sounds cliché, but by reading more you can see what techniques other writers use, and you'll get better at writing the more you do it. Practice makes perfect.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Nicole Nadeau

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
Rose Bak has been obsessed with books since she got her first library card at age five. She is a passionate reader with an e-reader bursting with thousands of beloved books. Rose lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and special needs dogs. In addition to writing, she also teaches accessible yoga and loves music. Sadly, she has no musical talent.

A frequent blogger at rosebakenterprises.com, Rose also writes both fiction and nonfiction stories. Romance novels have always been one of her favorite guilty pleasures.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I'm having writer's block, I listen to the musical "Rent" over and over again to get my creative juices flowing.

What authors have influenced you?
Pippa Grant. Claire Kingsley. Lilli Valente. Maria Luis. Lucy Score. Tawna Fenske.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. The more you do it the easier it is.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Rose Bak

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I've always loved descriptive word; as a child, I would enter competitions, some successful, some not so, but I never gave up trying. Throughout the years I wrote poetry for pleasure as well the therapy it provided through some hard times. I became a serious writer in 2001 when I began writing the two-part Passion in Paris. I'm a romantic at heart, still and forever will believe in love everlasting and soulmates that bond for eternity. This was mainly the bases for the story as well the desire to express my feelings through words.

Through research for the book, I feel as if I’ve been to Paris, but I do plan to visit. During the creation of the novel, along with poetry, I did take time away to compile a collection of children's stories and had the chance in 2009 to publish both the children's collection and my first poetry collection. Some of the poems in Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought, date back to 2000 but most were written during the middle of the decade. Inspiration for poetry can come when least expected and from sources never considered. You can visit my official poetry site, Inspiration in Thought at https://poetrypoem.com/

In 2010 I released my first children’s short story collection, Young Minds, followed by a second poetry collection in 2011 titled Impressions. In 2012 I released a second children’s collection, titled Through the Eyes of Innocence. I then set about redoing the two-part Passion in Paris into my 818-page grand scale, Amazon 4-star awarded, novel, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary which I released in 2013. Following this, I wrote the first of my Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom. The comedy series has grown to three installments to date, Derwood Returns, and Derwood Goes Caribbean. A fourth installment, Derwood Comes Home, is expected later this year or in early 2020.

In 2015 I released Willow’s Walk, my first romantic fiction drama which garnered a 5-star rating from Readers Favorite Books while still in pre-release, and in January of 2019, I released my third romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn, published by Tellwell Talent. This novel received another 5-star rating by Readers Favorite Books, and it also was chosen a 2019 Finalist in Romance by the Annual International Book Awards. I am presently writing the follow-up to Perils of Autumn, titled Return to Autumn, expected in 2020.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if I have any per say, however, if by scribbling small notes containing story details like the dialogue between characters, additions to a plotline, or simply to remind myself about something I plan to do or change, then I guess that would be my quirk.

What authors have influenced you?
I have great appreciation and respect for a few authors who are primarily known as authors of children's books, and they are Canadian authoress, Lucy Maude Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables, plus the Emily of New Moon series and more) British author Anna Sewell (Black Beauty) and American author Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie series of books).

I also enjoy the work of Mark Twain (Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, both classics). Fav authors of adult work: Nora Roberts, Kathryn Stockett (The Help), Stephen King (numerous horrors & psychological thrillers) and British authoress, Emile Bronte (Wuthering Heights). I also enjoy the work of fellow Niagara authoress, Gina LaFrate. There are many talented, self-published local authors in your area; check them out and give them a read. You might find yourself pleasantly entertained.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. There is nothing more discouraging or upsetting than to undertake a subject you know little about and make it entertaining and legible to the reader. Often writers draw from life experiences, I do, for there is no better research than what you have experienced firsthand. But when you are very young, you have yet to have much experience to draw from, therefore research everything thoroughly. I believe this suggestion could be taken by any writer, seasoned or not, but if you write about things you know, you will find your finished piece a polished, fine offering for the eyes of any reader that chooses your title.

Critique is a large portion of writing; it is not always kind, and you must learn to take what you can from that and apply it to your craft. Do not expect that your first, even second or third title will be an instant success. It may or may not happen, but if you love to write, have a passion to write, then you will find a way to stick with it. It can be a very long, drawn-out process. Finally, do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. Only you know the muse inside you, so let it speak to you, and have fun.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Rusty Blackwood

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
As a young child, I was taken from my home and placed in foster care. The experience was terrifying and abusive, and the only safe place I could find was in my mind. It was there that I crafted a beautiful, magical universe. Into adulthood I had enough material that I decided to put that universe on paper. This is how the DRUX series was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best mental writing is done during my daily trampoline bouncing. Rain or snow, I am out there, despite the looks I get from the neighbors.

What authors have influenced you?
Anything by Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. Their robust imaginations have encouraged me to tell my tales, and with as much rich story as possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is all about finding your voice, so forget what everyone else is saying, or doing, and just be you!

[Read more…] about Author Interview: S.P. Joseph Lyons

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
It took me over 20 years to get my first book finished and published. I must have written and re-written several times and did not feel it was ready until this year (2019). I grew up originally in a small town in central PA, which has now has grown very large with lots of tourist attractions. I have always had a passion for writing and reading. My books are based on true life events, but written in fiction. They are intended to help others and get the word out about the unspoken abuse that happens within many families.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say my writing habits are like many others. I make an outline and then fill in the blanks. I will write little parts at a time, walk away and then think of something more to add. I write when I get a chance between my career and family life.

What authors have influenced you?
VC Andrews and Tim Lahaye

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Even when it seems hard to continue and you feel like your getting nowhere keep going, it will be worth it in the end.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Sadie Beckenridge

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and lived there until I was 18 and went away to college at the University of Tennessee (go Vols!). After college, I moved to New York City to become a teacher, and I've lived in Brooklyn ever since. When I was growing up, Nashville was a quiet town, touristy for country music lovers but not a lot going on. Now that I've moved away, it's morphed into this hip center of music, culture, and fun.
I try not to take this personally. 😉
My Anti-Belle series are standalone romance novels set or based in Nashville. They're (in some ways) a love song to my evolved, darling hometown. Book one, Not Suitable for Work (out now via Amazon!), is about a woman moving back home from NYC to restart her life.
In my real life, I'm an English teacher in Brooklyn, an indoor cycling instructor, a Corgi owner, and a traveller. I love going back home to Nashville when I can to see family and have loads of fun!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Standing up-does that count? I have a standing desk that raises and lowers because I hate sitting down for too long!

What authors have influenced you?
In romance, Renee Carlino and Bella Andre really come to mind. Ms. Carlino because her books are romantic but feature a lot of character growth and story; Ms. Andre because of the way she creates entire worlds, and each of her series focuses on different characters in that world.
Christina Lauren was my gateway into romance, so I have to mention them as well! Their witty dialogue inspired me a lot.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for fun. Do that as long as you need to. Then, decide if this was a hobby or if you want to try and put it out into the world. Prepare to be patient and work hard if you want to release a book.
But all along the way, do it for fun and because you love writing.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Skye McDonald

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I started writing novels when I was 13. Since then I have written 21 novels. I always want to try something new. I've written contemporary romance novels, high fantasy, Regency-style romance novels, urban fantasy, superhero stuff, horror and even a few science fiction novels. I'm on a quest to write the perfect novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually make a goal, then I start a fire in the fireplace, and feed the fire until I've finished what I set out to write that day.

What authors have influenced you?
I have always felt more inspired by bad writing than good writing. Good writing leaves you satisfied with nothing to change, nothing to do better. Bad writing makes me want to run out and change the world because if these are the kinds of books that exist, then I NEED to make better books. I can't very well give a list of all the authors who have left me wanting more.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have a writing schedule and keep to it. It's okay if it isn't a set time or day. It's okay if it's a situational schedule when you write once everyone is out of the house or when everyone else is asleep. If you don't find a regular time to write, you will never finish your book.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Stephanie Van Orman

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I've written 3 eBooks so far, and am currently working on a 4th that I am looking to publish in paperback.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Classical music and crunchy foods finger foods like carrots or pretzels, helps me focus and concentrate.

What authors have influenced you?
Anne McCaffery, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Madeleine L'Engle, … it's quite a large list honestly.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are going to feel like you are failing a LOT. Don't fall for it. You have something to say, stories inside you to tell, advise to give. Let it out. Someone is always going to be interested in something you have to say, even if it's just that one person.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Toni Verticelli

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I am Victor John ''VeeJay'' Lao from the Philippines. An Author and Writer who likes to write articles, essays and books. My Books are in a variety of Genre from Fiction to Non-Fiction. My first ever Novel is called ''Bunny Syndrome'' which is a story about a boy who had a strange condition because a mad scientist working in a hospital injected his mothers womb while he was just a few months with a supposed immunity shot.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am kind of a neurotic writer. I work on different projects when I am not in the mood with what I am currently writing where I work on two different works at the same time. I sometimes skip days until I write again.

What authors have influenced you?
I got inspired by a lot of authors like J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman for writing a Novel and Comics. I like typing a lot when I was younger on the computer or a type writer and that made me a sort of a words smith, but with much focus on quality than quantity. I know there is still room for improvement and I continue to practice my craft and develop my skills in writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Rejections can sometimes be a part of life, remember people have different opinions about your work. It is sometimes painful to get criticized for your masterpiece buy use those negative criticism to motivate you and persist in your dream. Keep writing because you love what you do, do it for the fun of it.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: V.J. Lao

Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I grew up very near Washington DC. If I stood on the fence in my back yard I could see the Washington monument. I've lived all over the east and south but now I'm on Colorado. My best friend is my cat friend.

I write epic fantasy and science fiction these days.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not anymore. I used to write on pen and paper. It was very nice but I'm just too slow of a 4-fingered typist to do it still.

What authors have influenced you?
Tolkien certainly – far more than all others put together times ten.
Lewis. Asimov. Salinger.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Vanessa Kittle