Justin Derby and ‘Another Inconvenient Truth: What Secular America Hates’

Justin Derby is a Christian apologist who runs a blog called Truth: The Objective Reality, and runs an amateur film company called Derby Productions, which exists to convey the truths of the Bible in a medium that entertains audiences.

His book ‘Another Inconvenient Truth: What Secular America Hates‘ was recently published and I found it so intriguing that I wanted to know more about his work.

So, today I have the pleasure to have a litlle chat with him.

– First of all, who exactly is Justin Derby?

“Well, since you asked so nicely, I grew up thinking I was going to have a career in something involving sports journalism, and I lived in my own little world. As I got out of college and started paying attention to the world, I saw that things were getting progressively worse in the world. As I started reading apologetics books and studying apologetics in general, I noticed that most of my peers who call themselves followers of Jesus didn’t know the evidence supporting their faith, and in a lot of cases, they didn’t seem to care; they seemed to be more interested in their relationships with people, their entertainment choices, and their own agenda. I saw a need that needed to be filled, and I am trying to fill it with this book.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I have always had a big imagination, and I got into writing around eighth or ninth grade. I thought throughout high school that I was going to be a sports journalist, and when I was going to college at Linfield, I was proficient in both journalistic and creative writing. What I didn’t know at the time was that the Research Writing class I got a C- in would end up helping me in writing this book.”

– Was getting published hard?

“Since this is the first time I’ve tried to write any book, I talked to my friend and former pastor, Dr. Jim Jenkins. Jim was on the verge of publishing his book, and he told me that he had no idea how hard it was these days to get your book published by a publisher. He told me that the publishers he talked with told him that you had to have a certain-sized following before you tried to get a publisher to publish your book; the reason for doing so is because they want to have a guaranteed number of copies sold so that they can actually make some money off the book. My friend Jim went on to tell me that publishing my book as an Ebook first in order to build up a following was a good idea, and that that’s what he would do if he was in my shoes. I was already thinking about doing that, but after hearing Jim tell me that, I made up my mind and decided to self-publish this as an Ebook.”

– What genre is your book?

“My book is a Christian Apologetics/Spiritual warfare book. I wrote it to serve as both a warning to what our society is heading towards if they continue to follow the path they are on, and to get Christians introduced to the world of Apologetics.”

– Which of your books is your favorite?

“Considering that this is my first book, I would have to say it is this one.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I try to let my sources drive what I write about each topic, and then I try to tie it all together by writing down what I see from a big-picture perspective.”

– What’s next for you?

“While I wait and see how well my book sells, I plan on resuming production of Dark Knight: Freedom, which is a Batman fan film that is being produced by Derby Productions, the amateur film company that I run. I had been working on it before work on my book kicked into gear and took up all my time, so now that my book is done, I need to finish what I started with that project. When Dark Knight: Freedom is finished, I plan on posting it to YouTube, seeing if a Christian television network in Texas.”

AUTHOR BIO

Justin Derby graduated from Linfield College in the spring of 2013 with a degree in mass communication. After spending his entire educational career in the world of sports journalism, he has developed a strong interest in apologetics.

Link to “Another Inconvenient Truth” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anotherinconvenienttruth

Link to Justin’s blog: http://truththeobjectivereality.blogspot.com/

Link to book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Another-Inconvenient-Truth-Secular-America-ebook/dp/B00R2HMSR2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418775249&sr=8-1&keywords=Another+Inconvenient+Truth

El-R Charis: an out of the norm poet, publisher and literary gems scouter

INTERVIEW

El-R Charis is a native of Chicago, bred and raised on the Southside. She’s a Poet who expresses a lifetime of observation, harmony through conflict and ultimately self acceptance. El-R’s newest endeavor a publishing company, Phi Phe Publications, offer a variety of services from editing to ghost writing.

El-R Charis is a genuine artist and today I have the honour to host an interesting interview with her on my blog.

Who exactly is El-R Charis?
“El-R Charis, (I am) a communicator, whether it be via written word, visual graphics, sensually: It be all three. What I write/say, depict in my art may relay to its receiver a feeling or motivates a free thought which opens a dialogue within oneself as well as to others.”

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“After many years of attempting to fit into the “norm”, corporate hustle, I realized although I was extraordinary in whatever position I would undertake; there was always opposition from some key figure in the business. Over time, it became a great annoyance to ignore my passion in pursuit of material stability based on that of the worlds blueprint. I became acquainted with a very gifted Spiritual medium who introduced me to a higher level of thought and understanding of a realm beyond what my natural eyes could see. This “Man of God” taught about authorship and the importance of allowing our talents to be multiplied through writing. From this revelatory relationship, I simply let it Be.”

Was getting published hard?
“No, it was all about research and tenacity to stay steadfast, even in the midst of seeming frustration. Daily I’m driven to learn something new about publishing, yet in this process, I have birthed my own publishing company.”

Are your characters based on people you know?
“As a book of poetry, art, as well as some spiritual truths; the answer would be, “yes”. Mostly the poems are based on my perception, there are some, however simply based on my perception of others in relationship to the world at large.”

What genre are your books?
“Poetry, some may say Mythology also Visual Art is a huge part of what I do. Unreleased works include fiction and a Semi-Autobiography.”

Which of your books is your most favourite?
“Well, currently, I only have one book on the market, with the second to be released later this month: Although, my favourite is actually an unreleased work of fiction in which I can’t name because the story is not yet copy-written. I however, will always have a soft spot for The Epiphany Series; currently Volume One, Primus is on Amazon Kindle. Epiphany is my catalyst for many life decisions and new endeavors which are branching from within. I owe Her a huge gratitude.”

Do you have a specific writing routine?
“As much as I try, No. I am an artist in the sense of, I work as inspired; I’m not well with obligatory ANYTHING. Always obliged to serve yet being forceful with myself is not my forte. Writing is an immense joy for me, when she is ready, she flows.”

What are your current projects?
“As stated prior, Volume II of The Epiphany Series, will be released on Amazon Kindle just before Christmas of this year; Volume I, Primus will be released in soft cover January 2015. I also have Phi Phe Publications, LLC; my publishing company, which will began taking submissions in January 2015, for evaluation of various services offered to the Writer seeking guidance in their writing endeavors. Recently, I have become the new editor for a 5-time published Author, which I am ecstatic about! I have this affair with words which no human partner could ever match, unless we have the same lover.”

What’s next for you?
“Epiphany is a seven volume series, the last five will roll out throughout the first half of 2015. I am also scouting other poets to help them along the way of publishing, formatting, editing and so on. There are literally bins of writings; books, movie scripts, television shows and of course, poetry in which I am surrounded by daily. Much were scribed over several years, yet now, I am finally comfortable enough to delve into and form them as that which the Universe has commissioned them to be.”

About El-R Charis

El-R Charis is a native of Chicago, bred and raised on the Southside. Educated in the Public School system in a time when teachers took an active role as alternate parents to those entrusted to them daily. El-R took her first creative writing class in an After-School program under the tutelage of Mrs. Leila BoNey. During the program, this authors natural flair for writing became immediately apparent to the program director thus a friendship/mentorship identity was formed. This connection lasted throughout the authors formative years until the untimely passing of El-R’s beloved mentor in her early twenties.

In addition to her enthusiasm for writing, El-R majored in Commercial Art as an high school student, even graduating from higher education with an AAS in Art & Design from Robert Morris University, Chicago.

Throughout her life, El-R Charis has endured many obstacles she credits for fine tuning her craft with a keen level of detail which many people who have struggled through life’s journey can relate. This openly gay author utilizes words, artistic talents, as well as photography to lay out graphic depictions of the ups and downs of moving through society.

El-R’s publishing company, Phi Phe Publications, offer a variety of services from editing to ghost writing. Motion in Poetry, the Web site at ElrCharis.com rallies all things embodied in the mind of El-R Charis: Words, Pictures, Passion.

Book info:

Epiphany, Poetry in the Flow of Life, Volume I: Primus (eBook)

Publisher: Phi Phe Publications, 2014 Editor: C. R. Hagerman

Available for a limited time exclusively on Amazon for Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P8F7XNO

https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-R-Charis/312095092319596

Social Media info:
ElrCharis.com (Web site)
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elrcharis
Instagram: http://instagram.com/el_r_charis

Jeremy Croston and his fantasy trips to Ragnarok on Ice

INTERVIEW

Jeremy Croston started writing back in the early 2000’s when he was at the University of Central Florida to help curb the boredom of the many marketing classes taken. After graduation, the story line for the Ragnarok on Ice series was put in a box never to see the light of day again…or so we thought. His wife found the stories while moving and encouraged him to put it into print. So here we are with the Ragnarok on Ice series coming to an e-reader near you!

Today we have the pleasure to have a little chat with Jeremy Croston and the chance to get to know him a little better.

“I began writing in college at the University of Central Florida. In addition to writing, I enjoy music, movies, and spending time with my wife” Jeremy says.

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“My wife was the major catalyst behind me pursuing my writing. She found my notes while we were moving and asked why I never pursued it further. From there, I began writing again and finished my first novel Power Play. After the thrill of completing that project , I decided to keep going.”

– Was getting published hard?

“Not at all. Kindle direct publishing through Amazon makes it very easy for anyone to publish their work.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

“I think it’s almost impossible not to base characters on people in your life. Of course of certain people would not be pleased if they ever found out which characters I used for them, haha!”

– What genre are your books?

“So far all my books fall into the sci-fi and fantasy realm. My main series Ragnarok on Ice also borrows heavily from Norse mythology.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“I have written two full length novels and two novellas. If pressed to pick a favorite would be Blood and Arrows, a novella about one of the main characters in Power Play. It was great to explore a character’s history and give the readers more background information.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I have a very quirky writing style. I write two thousand words a day, basically just letting the story write itself. I feel the more you overthink your story, the more you forget the flow of it.”

– What are your current projects?

“I just finished book two of the Ragnarok on Ice series and it is in editing. The title is Penalty Kill and the tentative release date is January 20th, 2015. I’m now writing a novel outside of sci-fi, a dramatic story about a boxer who is at rock bottom and has to find his way back up.”

– What’s next for you?

“I have four to five novels planned for 2015. I hope my novels keep everyone entertained and I look forward to hearing from everyone!”

FAN FACTS ABOUT JEREMY CROSTON

His other main project is the werewolf/vampire mash-up series, The Inglewood Chronicles. Follow Victor Inglewood, the werewolf who cannot transform, as he meets vampire Elizabeth Swansea and the misadventures she gets him involved in.

Jeremy is married to his wonderful wife and editor Stephanie. In addition to writing, he works in business development for a Fortune 500 company. He enjoys playing soccer, catching up on all things related to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and watching his dog run around aimlessly.

CONNECT WITH JEREMY CROSTON

www.amazon.com/author/jeremycroston

https://ragnarokonice.wordpress.com/

Twitter:- @jeremycroston81

Email: JECebooks@gmail.com

Alyson Grauer about self-publishing and The Isle Of Sound and Wonder

INTERVIEW

A few days ago I featured on my blog a great book, ‘On the Isle Of Sound and Wonder’ by Alyson Grauer, based on William Shakespeare’s classic, ‘The Tempest’.

However I wanted to get to know better author Alyson Grauer and today I have the pleasure to have an interview with her.

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
I always wanted to tell stories when I was little, and was writing and illustrating books throughout elementary school. It just stuck with me! I journaled through middle and high school and in college promised myself that when I graduated I’d get back on the ball and keep writing seriously. And I did.

– Was getting published hard?
I would say yes and no. I submitted short stories to a number of online publications for several months (and was rejected repeatedly) before I found Xchyler Publishing’s anthology contests and got published there. It was challenging in that it is very overwhelming at first, but if you do some research on who publishes the types of things you write, and how they like their submissions, that can help narrow the field for you.

– Are your characters based on people you know?
Sometimes I borrow the appearance or look of a person I know to help me picture a character better, but mostly the characters unfold themselves as they are. I try not to directly represent people I know as they are in real life, but I like to imagine them as actors performing the roles of my characters.

– Which of your books is your most favourite?
Well, ON THE ISLE OF SOUND AND WONDER is my first novel, so I’d say that one. 🙂

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
Not a strict one. My writing ‘routine’ involves a lot of Pinterest and a lot of visual research. Sometimes I prepare a playlist of songs to listen to while I write. I drink a lot of tea, of course. And I sometimes take breaks to stretch or do sit ups.

– What’s next for you?
I’m doing something for NaNoWriMo this month but it’s a casual thing… I’m not competing heavily this year. Need the break. But we’ll see what comes of it. …I know that sounds mysterious.

Michael Wheeler and The Practical Method for Taus, Dilruba, and Esraj

INTERVIEW

Today my blog fills with music. I read a book and I enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the sound of Taus, Dilruba, and Esraj. And Michael Wheeler is responsible for that.

Michael Wheeler lives in Roseburg, OR along with his wife and cat. He is an assistant professor of music at Umpqua Community College, instructing Indian Music, Music Technology, Music Appreciation, and Music Fundamentals. It’s not long ago when he decided to pursue a writing career as well.

“I’ve always enjoyed reflecting on music. I host a couple of music blogs – one on music pedagogy, one on music history/ethnomusicology, and one on popular music. For my book though, I wrote that as my Master’s degree dissertation” he explains.

– Was getting published hard?

“I self-published through CreateSpace, so it was super easy. I think the need for publishers will start to diminish even more over time until just about everybody putting stuff out is either on blogs, or self-published.”

– What genre are your books?

“Music and education – I publish compositions and materials on musical pedagogy mostly.”

– Which of your books is your most favorite?

“Well, as far as full text, I only have one. That is “A Practical Method for Taus, Dilruba, and Esraj.” But I also love my published compositions – the Pieces for Violin and Piano are pieces I’m really proud of.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“Yes, work under deadlines!”

– What are your current projects?

“Working currently on an MFA in Music Composition through Vermont College of Fine Arts, so that is really time-consuming. I’m in the process of composing for Dilruba in a slightly more western-classical orientation which is challenging. I’m also working on a composer’s guide to dilruba.”

– What’s next for you?

“I think eventually I will need to write a follow-up to my beginner’s book in dilruba. Hopefully I can get to that before I’m too old!”

Author Bio

Michael Wheeler holds a Master of Arts in World Music Studies from the University of Sheffield U.K. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (with Honors designation) in Music History from Charter Oak State College as well as a Master Certificate in Music Theory, Harmony and Ear Training from Berklee College of Music (graduated 3.97 GPA). During his undergraduate education Michael was awarded both a music department vocal scholarship as well as the prestigious Bill Cosby Celebrity scholarship for Berklee’s extension program. He is also currently enrolled in the Gurmat Sangeet Outreach program from Raj Academy U.K. as a student of Dilruba, for the preservation and promotion of Sikh music. He’s also a member of many professional organizations including; Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA), American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and National Association of Composers USA (NACUSA).

As a performer, Michael Wheeler has appeared in over 10 independently and commercially released albums in addition to having logged hundreds of studio hours. He has also appeared in well over 300 stage performances as a singer (musical theatre), pianist (classical and jazz) or keyboardist (dance music).

As a composer, Michael’s works are published through the German internet publisher Copy- Us (under his pen name “Misha Kolesoski”) and has written scores for commercial as well as amateur film. In May of 2009 his “Adagio for Erhu and Chamber Ensemble” was premiered at Edinburgh University in Scotland, featuring the Erhu virtuoso Peng Yeuquang. He is also a regular contributor to HowCast Media videos and has music featured in the motion picture “Dirty Step Upstage.”

As an author on musical subjects, Mr. Wheeler maintains two blogsites; Tools for Learning Music, and Pondering Music from a Global Perspective. He also hosts a YouTube channel which details diverse information such as instrument purchasing, methods for self-study and advice for college music students.

From 2004 to 2011 Michael Wheeler was instructor and curriculum coordinator at Arizona Music Academy in Tempe AZ.

Beth Durkee’s amazing fantasy world: The Legend of Lord Randall Castle

INTERVIEW

Beth Durkee is an author of Christian romance, relationship self-help and fantasy. She has written three stand-alone novellas, contributed a small section to Ess-Jee Rautenbach’s premier book, How to Stand for Your Marriage, written a short promotional e-book (out of print) starring singer Darryl Markette (with permission), and is currently engrossed in writing her popular historical fantasy e-book series, The Legend of Lord Randall Castle. Across all genres, she is known for her characters, her descriptiveness and her anchor to morality. Her works include The Disposable Noble Wife, Navigating Marital Abandonment, The Bleeding Love, The Rumor’s Secret (out of print) and The Legend of Lord Randall Castle e-series.

– So many great achievements but yet, who exactly is Beth Durkee?

” Hard question. I have worn so many different hats in my life and each is so different from the next, but I am the culmination of all my hat-wearing personalities and I am just one at a time. Right now, I am wearing the hat of friendly recluse who writes amazing but undiscovered stories for a very tiny international audience.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I think it is more pursuing me. Really what happened is that I grew up in a household where my dad is an avid reader and my mom’s whole family is a bunch of story-tellers. I grew up with both and wound up combining them after my children were grown and I had nothing more interesting to do with my time.”

– Was getting published hard?

” I am self-published, so that part was not hard. The hard part is getting enough readership for my books to make a profit. I am not yet to that point so in that respect, yes. It is very hard.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

” Some of them are. Some are not. For example, the druid in the very beginning of Engaging Enchantment is modeled after my favorite restaurant manager at Brothers 3 Pizza in Marinette, Wisconsin. But Barwick, the story’s hero, is someone I have never met. (But I would like to!)”

– What genre are your books?

“I have a Christian romance and a relationship self-help that got me started writing for publication, but now my focus has turned to my first love – fantasy.

– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“I would have to say that the one I am currently in the process of editing, Spellbound Souvenir, is my favorite so far. But then, my favorite is always the one I am working on or I would be working on something else.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“It’s funny because I would not have said I do until I had to think about answering your question. Now I think the answer is yes. I pretty much get around to writing after lunch. That is about the time my dog lets me kick him off my lap and I can replace him with my laptop. Then I write until I am ready for a cup of hot tea. I get it, take a sip and resume writing until I realize my tea is cold. Then I stop for a while to reheat it. Sometimes I will repeat the cycle right away and sometimes I will stop for the day.”

– What are your current projects?

“Spellbound Souvenir consumes my world at the moment. I am absolutely in love with facets of of the story and with several of its characters. I need to get them polished for the e-book’s November 23 debut so we all are not embarrassed.”

– What’s next for you?

“I need to finish editing and publishing Spellbound Souvenir, of course. But then Book 3 in The Legend of Lord Randall Castle e-series needs to be titled and written. I have an awesome end in mind for the series and I have to figure out how to get to it.”

∗∗∗

Beth Durkee lives in the United States. She has a BS degree in Liberal Arts from Carroll University and has been imagining stories for as long as she can remember. In her spare time, she enjoys long talks with family and friends, travel, DIY projects and amateur radio.

Keep in touch with Beth Durkee on social media

http://www.bethdurkee.me/
https://www.facebook.com/lordrandallcastle

and buy her books on Amazon

http://amzn.to/1mazX7K
http://amzn.to/1t2K6WP

Author John Mathews and the dark side of human nature

INTERVIEW

Today’s guest is John Mathews, a tenured University Professor who lives in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy.

With a background in creative writing, professional blogging, and web content creation, John Mathews decided that it was time to start writing fiction novels and share his passion for compelling stories with unforgettable characters.

“I feel the desire to break out of the mold and delve into fiction which focuses on the dark side of human nature, both that which is unfeeling and indifferent to the fate of others and that which derives pleasure and a feeling of power from pain inflicted on them” he explains.

– Was getting published hard?

“I self published my books, so I am my own agent.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

“My characters are not based on individuals that I have known personally, but each one is created from a combination of real personality types, mind-sets, and ways of thinking that I have experienced throughout my life.”

– What genre are your books?

“I write thriller / suspense novels.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“I have just published my first novel on amazon, A Game of Greed and Deception, and it is a real doozy. Can you possibly guess what is really happening before the final scene?”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“No, I don’t.”

– What are your current projects?

“I am currently working on a crime novel with a real twist.”

– What’s next for you?

“I would welcome honest reviews for my novel on amazon.”

John Mathews first novel A Game of Greed and Deception is on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OHQA4HW

Marie’s World by Kristal McKerrington

INTERVIEW

Marie’s World tells a tale of love gone wrong, of doing the right thing even if it hurts and how to survive when your world is turned upside down. Famed dancer, actress and Reality TV star Marie returns from LA to her hometown in Scotland to escape the fall-out from the damaging revelations in her twin sister Layla’s thinly-disguised novel. As she attempts to rebuild her life and career with her partner Derek, Marie’s long-repressed memories and emotions come flooding to the surface, and she finds herself menaced by the world of her former husband, the only man she has ever truly loved and now her most dangerous adversary.

Author Kristal McKerrington is from Scotland, UK. She has a love for Scotland and for Vikings. Kristal has been a professionally published author since 2010. She writes erotica, young adult, thrillers and all different kinds of romance books.

Today I have the pleasure to host Kristal McKerrington on my blog. I asked her to say a few things about herself and she kindly accepted.

– How would you describe yourself?

Scottish, fun and fiery.

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

I ended up pursuing my writing career when I retired from dance and my friend from dance

started to help me follow the book world path. I’m honored that he believed in me enough

to show me the way.

– Was getting published hard?

Very hard, I learned a lot of lessons along the way. For instance I’ll never self publish.

– Are your characters based on people you know?

Yes, well they are based on characters to whom were created by people I know well.

– What genre is your books?

Romance, drama and sometimes I do erotica.

– Which of your books is your most favourite?

Marie’s World for sure. I know we are not meant to have favourites but that one is. It reminds me on the stories of my friends who use to live a dream that was similar to me.

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

Break down my novel then write the novel chapter by chapter. Sometimes I change up chapters

when I’m working on the book with Joe. Is schedule sometimes means that I must write chapters

when he is free rather than from chapter 1 to the end.

– What are your current projects?

I’m writing the second book of Marie’s World which are coming out with Austin Macauley Publishers ltd.

Change Me Lord Terry teasers that are coming out with Crimson Frost publishing. Vampire and The Wrestler which is coming out with Firefly Publishing.

– What’s next for you?

Expanding my career into other areas of interest and maybe working with Joe on more interesting genres or topics.

My top 10 favorite things:

1- Dance

2- Book

3- Wrestling

4- Writing

5- Screenwriting

6- Vince Russo’s site ( pyroandballyhoo.com)

7- T4 show with Michael Manna

8- Dance films

9- Dancing around the house in my underwear

10- Book tours of course!

Author Bio

Kristal McKerrington is been a professionally published author since 2010. She’s a former writer for Calling Spots magazine. She created and wrote on Romance and The Wrestler for Bishop-Lyons Entertainment. She’s been a best selling author for XoXo Publishing. She’s appeared on TMZ a few times and writes with Reem Vision.

She writes for Reem Vision. She works with her co-author Joe E Legend on a line of books, which started in 2013.

Website: kristalmckerrington.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/K_mcKerrington
Facebook Fan Page: http://ht.ly/3xc0D

Buy Links:

Amazon

http://amzn.com/B00LFW4KHQ

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maries-world-joe-e-legend/1119874082?ean=9781849639125

Waterstones

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/joe+e-+legend/kristal+mckerrington/marie27s+world/10969605/

Raising J.Holiday, A Mother’s Untold Story

INTERVIEW

Frances Grymes is the mother of three grown children, one being the R&B sensation J.Holiday, and the grandmother of seven grandkids. She’s also an Ordained minister, Motivational speaker, Singer, Dancer, Teacher, Hairstylist, and the list goes on.

“I’m also an ordinary person doing extra ordinary things” she says.

– Pretty amazing! But how did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I started writing my autobiography in 1990, but my writing career didn’t start until 1993 after the passing of my husband. It started out by writing two poems about him, then two turn into eight hundred, Then I started writing and illustrating children and also created twin dolls.”

– Was getting published hard?

“No”
– Are your characters based on people you know?

“Yes”

– What genre is your books?

“Regular manuscripts, non-fiction and fiction, children books.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“I have so many favorites I can’t pick one at the present time.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“No. If I think of something about a particular book I’m writing I just pop my flash drive in and get to typing.”

– What are your current projects?

“I’m working on three manuscripts at the present time.”

– What’s next for you?

“The next thing I want to do is a stage play for “Raising J.Holiday, A Mother’s Untold Story”, then of course the Big Screen.”

Well, we wish Good luck and we hope to have again when the movie is out!

Eula McGrevey and the darkly twisted world of ‘Progtopia’

INTERVIEW

Eula McGrevey is an American author who has an educational background in neuroscience and history, and currently works in the medical field.

With her debut novel, Progtopia, McGrevey hopes to educate and inspire freedom-loving people about history, politics, and life with this entertaining futuristic tale.

But who exactly is Eula McGrevey?

Who am I? Well, I guess that can be a loaded question. You see, I’m not a writer who has a nice cabin in the country, away from it all, weaving masterful tales from sun up to sun down. I’m like most modern writers: I have a job that has nothing to do with books! Not to say I don’t like the job that pays my bills, but anyone who knows me, understands I can get bored with things quickly, usually leading me to another project. Don’t get the wrong impression though, I am not one of these types who needs one hour of sleep and is go-go-go all the time. I can be as laid back as the best of them, lounging on the couch on a Saturday watching college football or just reading a book. I love history and science and have blended those backgrounds into my life.

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

My main problem my entire life: I like a lot of things. I like science, history, reading, sports. Growing up, you want to do everything and then at 18 somehow you are to pick a career for the rest of your life! Telling your parents, “Hey, I aspire to be a struggling writer! Want to shell out some dough for college?” Doesn’t really go over well. My parents, always supportive of me and my siblings, felt we had to have a career that didn’t leave us destitute. What came next was up to us. So, I pursued studies in science and history, and ended up in the medical field.

I wrote a book in college. I never sent it anywhere or did anything with it, and in fact, it is either long gone, or buried in a box somewhere. Throughout the years, I’ve had some ideas about books I’ve wanted to write, but they were just that—ideas. Probably would’ve been a good read, but nothing more. On Christmas morning 2012, I was lying in bed, and the inspiration for this book came to me. I felt I had to do it. Can’t explain it, but it just happened. I thought about it for a while and started to write. I had to wipe off a lot of the cobwebs when it came to writing, but I kept at it, had people critique my work, rip it apart. No way to get better unless you get feedback.

Was getting published hard?

There are many platforms out there who will publish your book without using the conventional routes. The publishing world is rapidly changing, and I love it because it opens the market, giving the individual a chance. Some of the most prolific writers of modern times were rejected by publishing companies. Where would we be now if they hadn’t kept pressing on?

I decided to go with an online company to get my book out there. As a writer, I don’t want to abandon the rights to my works, my creations. Going down the road of not using a conventional publishing company, you must put out a professional, exciting product, which this book is. I’ve gotten rave reviews about the cover, the characters and story lines. And, the best thing I hear is: “When will book two be out?” You know you have created something special when people ask you that question.

Are your characters based on people you know?

No one character is consciously based on any specific person in my life. But let’s face it- there is no way the people I’ve met and interacted with during my life don’t seep into the personalities of the people in my books. May not even be people I know well. Could have been a lady at the grocery store who spoke with a nasally pitch and drove me up the wall, or some guy who was rude to me while standing in line. Things like that stick in you deep down, and then all of sudden when you’re writing about something that conjures up the feeling I had when those people were annoying me, it comes out into the character.

What’s funny, is now that this is going to be a trilogy, I’ve had people ask me to be in the book! And, if there is the right spot for their type of personality, then it’ll come in. Probably would have anyway.

What genre is your books?

The Progtopia Trilogy is a dystopian thriller. It presents a peek into the future and weaves the tale of how it happened. You are rooting for some of the characters when they get into some precarious situations. Some, you hope get what they deserve.

Which of your books is your most favorite?

Well, this is my first book getting published so I think it will always be my favorite. It’s the one that got me out of the gate and pushed me to pursue my dream of weaving a tale for the world to enjoy.

As far as what books I like? I’m all over the place: Vince Flynn, Patricia Cornwell, 1984, Atlas Shrugged.

Do you have a specific writing routine?

Since I work full time as a non-writer, I dedicate the weekends to writing. During the week, on my drive to work, I think about the chapters I plan on writing on the weekend. It is during the drive I develop a lot of my ideas. Saturday and Sunday, I get them on paper. Occasionally I will write after work, but that is not my norm.

When I write on the weekends, I start off by having a cup of tea, write for an hour, make some breakfast, and go back to the computer. After a few hours, I’ll eat again, then back to writing. End by dinnertime and relax or do work for my other jobs. That has been my weekend routine for the last two years. It isn’t work for me, though. It’s relaxing and exciting to create a world and characters from thin air. Not only is it fun, but it’s great to know someone will have the pleasure of enjoying my characters. Make them think. Make them laugh. Make them cry. Words can be powerful, if you put them together right!

What are your current projects?

Right now I am working on the other books in the Progtopia Trilogy.

What’s next for you?

Once I have completed the Progtopia Trilogy, I plan on taking a bit of a break, let my mind clear a little and see where it takes me. I’ve had such a wonderful time on this project, but I am excited to see where the future takes me!

PROGTOPIA

This dystopian thriller blends two different timelines into one twisted tale of ordinary citizens attempting to break the shackles of a tyrannical government.

A dark world seeks a glimmer of hope in Eula McGrevey’s riveting futuristic thriller, Progtopia.

In the year 2032, home schooling and religious schools have been banned, and technology has made facial recognition and drone spies part of everyday life. But thirteen-year-old Camille, on the run from the authorities, manages to evade them with the help of an ex-CIA agent who has secrets of his own. When the duo stumbles across the existence of Project Renaissance, a top-secret plan endorsed by the president, they do everything they can to stop it—but are they too late?

In the year 2172, the Giving Class runs the world while the Recipient Class lives to serve them, but is forbidden from marrying, reproducing, or even mingling with the opposite sex.

With books and religion banned, people’s main form of entertainment is an annual event known as The Trials. This televised show allows viewers to vote on whether participants will be sent to reeducation camps…or sentenced to death.

As Progtopia teases out the connection between these two time periods, readers will find themselves swept up in a darkly twisted world that is in desperate need of a hero.

Keep in touch with Eula McGrevey

http://www.progtopiabooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/progtopiabooks

http://www.twitter.com/progtopiabooks

PROGTOPIA IS NOW LIVE ON AMAZON*

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OV6JV68

*Updated on October 28th, 2014

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PROGTOPIA

Keep in touch with Eula McGrevey

PROGTOPIA IS NOW LIVE ON AMAZON*

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