TC O’Reilly talks about ‘8th round’

INTERVIEW

TC O’Reilly is a businessman and a lawyer. He has a passion for reading and a love for writing.

I had the chance for a little chat with TC O’Reilly and my first question to him was how he decided to pursue a writing career.

“Initially I wanted to write something just to tick it off my bucket list, but once I started I realized how much I loved it and haven’t stopped since,” he said.

  • Was getting published hard?

“I went the indie publisher route and I am very pleased that I did.”

  •  What genre are your books?

“The genre is horror with a touch of sci-fi.”

  • Which of your books is your most favorite?

“The 8th round is my baby, but I am also fond of Delusions.”

  •  Do you have a specific writing routine?

“No routine.”

-What’s next for you?

“A follow up to the 8th round.”

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8th round

The story is about a man named Jacob (Jakes) Patrick Wallace who is sent back in time over various lifetimes. He thus carries knowledge of a global plague called the Husk plague, that causes people to go crazy and bloodthirsty, that will spread throughout the earth and that leaves only him with the power and knowledge to try and stop it. Throughout the book he deals with various people in his life including a love interest named Julia Baldacci and his younger brother named Andy. This first book mainly sets the scene of the oncoming plague by giving glimpses of the future in 2017 etc. but mainly plays out over a period starting from 1995 up to date. The Ebola virus which ravaged West Africa during 2014 plays a central theme in the book and helps to set the pace of the oncoming plague. The antagonist in the story is for the first part mainly played by a man called Rudansky who forms part of a larger group of people which is mainly referred to as the Company. The Company helps to set the scene for a larger worldwide conspiracy which dates back as far as the early 1600’s. With the VOC as the main background of this conspiracy, hence the settings in Amsterdam. Jakes however also starts to develop certain abilities which helps him to be stronger, faster and even some psychic abilities which helps him throughout the book from time to time.

BUY LINK

http://www.amazon.com/8th-round-Birthday-According-calendar-ebook/dp/B01273FUFW/

AUTHOR AND PAINTER RAFAEL H. DERCHANSKY TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK ‘CORRIDOR ONE’

INTERVIEW

Rafael H. Derchansky was born in a small village in Siberia in 1954, 14 years after Stalin forcefully deported his parents from Lithuania. In 1960, he and his family moved to the city Tomsk, one of the oldest towns in Siberia. In 1970, he finished high school and enrolled in Tomsk Polytechnic University. In 1973, the USSR temporarily lifted the Iron Curtain to allow some of its citizens to leave the country. Rafael and his family used this opportunity to immigrate to Israel. There he completed his studies and met his wife while working in the hi-tech sector and serving in the country’s Air Force. Seeking new horizons, he immigrated to Canada in 1988, where he currently resides with his wife and two sons. When he is not writing his latest novel, he can be found painting or navigating the Great Lakes with his boat.

Recently I had the pleasure to have a little chat with this talented author and painter and here is what we talked about…

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  • So Rafael how did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“For many years I was brooding with the idea of writing a book about a family that was torn apart. I imagined a scenario where a sister and brother would pass each other on the street and not recognize each other while at the same time actually searching for each other. The idea came from some personal experience in my early life in Siberia.”

  • Are your characters based on people you know?

“Some of the characters are real :)”

  • What genre are your books?

“Mystery, adventure, drama, but without dead bodies, and no blood and shattered bones.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I start writing the book with only a general idea and usually during the writing process, its details and plot start moving in many directions. Then I go back and trim off the unwanted branches. When I write I’m completely submerged in the life of my characters but for some reason, I may forget what happened in the previous chapters due to the richness of the details, so I find myself sometimes needing to go back and read. Sometimes the writing process feels like torture and can be physically and mentally exhausting. That being said, I am reluctant to rewrite any parts of the book. Still, I think that writing is powerfully amazing.”

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  • What are your current projects?

“’Corridor Two’, screenplay for ‘Corridor One’.”

  • What’s next for you?

“To write ‘Corridor End’ book – last book in Corridor trilogy”

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‘Corridor One’ book synopsis

 

Dina, a tenacious art forgery expert, is suddenly dragged back into her past life when an extraordinary package is left at her apartment by a mysterious man who seems to know the most personal and intimate details about her past. Why now? Can he be trusted? With new revelations, her life quickly spirals into a maelstrom of confusion and Dina is torn between her innocent desire to believe the stranger and her professional instincts telling her that everything is not as it seems. As she struggles to understand what is happening, an unsolved, decades-old crime linked to a missing treasure becomes the center of her life. Embarking on an unexpected and mystifying adventure that interrupts her busy life, Dina must confront the shadows of her past and face the truth about her family. What happened more than twenty years ago when her father and brother were torn away from her? Together with her colleagues and their expertise, the mystery might be solved. But will her team unconditionally support her in her effort to put together the pieces of this long-broken puzzle?

To shed light upon the truth, Dina will have to travel to a place that holds many painful memories and face the ghosts of her past. There she will learn about the fate of her doting father and beloved brother, who has been lost to a shadowy, clandestine organization known only to a few locals as Corridor One. Dina will have to rely on the help of an unlikely partner and an old, long-forgotten Siberian mental art to accomplish her goals. But is Dina alone on her path or is somebody quietly watching her steps?

BUY LINKS

‘Corridor One’ at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Corridor-One-Rafael-H-Derchansky/dp/0994064241/

‘Corridor One’ at Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/545352

‘Corridor One’ Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYa04eMM-GY

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH RAFAEL H. DERCHANSKY

‘Corridor One’ on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/corridoronebook

Rafael H. Derchansky’s Books and Paintings

http://www.rhdera.com/#!my-gallery/cd0h

More about Rafael H. Derchansky

http://www.writersinterviews.com/2015/07/corridor-one-derchansky.html

 

 

“Lowlands and a Highlander’s Love”, “Highland Promise”: J.C. Hughes’ breathtaking Scottish novels

INTERVIEW

J.C. Hughes is living a very peaceful life in United States with her loving family. Although she lives far from Scotland, she never forgets the place where she grew up and came from. It will always remain in her heart and inspire her to write Scottish novels.

J.C. Hughes

J.C. Hughes want to present to the world the beauty of Scotland, a place full of stories waiting to be known by the next generation.

Her heartwarming Scottish Historical Romance stories are thrilling and breathtaking, they are real page-turners.

J.C. Hughes’ new book Lowlands and a Highlander’s Love (Scottish Historical Romance Highlander) was recently released and that gave me the chance to have a little chat with her. Here is what we talked about…

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– So, what separates J.C Hughes from other authors?
“Well, I read a lot of romance books myself and feel that just because it is a romance story doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also have an element of suspense to it. I also like to sometimes add some elements of mystery since romance at its core can be a very mysterious emotion.”

– Why do you think readers like your books?
“Well, I like to think that my stories provide the same heartwarming feeling I get when I read a great romance story. I myself love the escape that is given which allows you to live through your fantasy. As I mentioned I myself love romance books, but even the bestsellers are sometimes too long. I decided that in the heat of the moment readers would prefer a thrilling romance story which can be finished the same day.”

– What inspires you when writing your romance books?
“I do get inspired by other great authors like Julie Garwood and also Karen Marie Moning although I feel that romance novellas can complement romance novels as they can be read in one evening.

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“I have written a lot of theatre stories in co-operation with others and I realized that writing was something that was very personal to me. After reading romance stories and other genres that I could relate to for years I decided to try this as well.”

– Was getting published hard?
“Yes, the writing part. The editing, the shredding, the lack of confidence, the writers blocks and of course you need inspiration. On top of that it has to appeal to several different people to even be considered to be published. Kindle unlimited on my kindle reader helped with this process a lot.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“Not entirely. They are a mixture of different people and their reactions to certain situations. So my characters aren’t solely based on one person. They’re a few different personalities made into one that fits the character and story.”

– What genre are your books?
“Mostly Scottish Historical Romance. I’ve never experienced anything with such passion and authentic love. When reading Scottish Historical Romance you can’t help but to connect on an internal level. I also add some Medieval Romance and Scottish highlander stories into the mix.”

– Which of your books is your most favorite?
“I am excited about my latest release Lowlands and a Highlander’s Love. My kindle reader makes it so easy to have all of my favorites like Julie Garwood and Maya Banks in one place. I love it. My favorite all time is probably the “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“Usually, I just write to get my thoughts out. I start with an idea, let it develop, then organize it. Taking breaks are also important when writing. I don’t want to mentally exhaust myself during the process.”

– What are your current projects?
“Another story coming shortly. Possibly an e-book. Right now I’m just basking in the moment.”

– What’s next for you?
“Me and my Kindle reader will probably take a short hiatus to travel and gain more inspiration. A change of scenery and a good read is always refreshing.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J.C. Hughes’ fascination with history has gone a long way, from being a voracious reader to a writer of her own novel about Scottish heritage. She is also a big fan of romance, that she was inspired to write the “Highland Promise”. She is a woman of strength, faith, and substance. After her previous novel, Hughes plans to do more love stories in the future. Right now she is brainstorming and collaborating with friends to publish another novel that will inspire people, mostly adults who believe in the power of love.

J.C. HUGHES’ AMAZON PAGE

http://www.amazon.com/J.C.-Hughes/e/B012RL4GZE

BUY LINKS

Lowlands and a Highlander’s Love (Scottish Historical Romance Highlander) http://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Historical-Romance/dp/B013FA5ZE2/

HIGHLAND PROMISE (Scottish Historical Romance Highlander)
http://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Romance-HIGHLAND-Historical-Highlander-ebook/dp/B010W0STSW

T. Mike McCurley on ‘Emergence’, ‘Firedrake’, ‘Jericho Sims’ and all his superheroes

INTERVIEW

T. Mike McCurley lives in a suburb of Oklahoma City, occasionally banging out superhero prose on a battered laptop.

His stories of the ‘Emergence’ – a worldwide explosion of metahumanity beginning in 1963 with a scared little girl – were first published online in 2004. From them came the character of Francis Drake, an Emerged cop born in the form of a humanoid dragon. The stories of ‘Firedrake’ first saw light online in 2008 and spanned numerous chapters, eventually becoming a series of books.

The Adventures of Jericho Sims stem from long-ago discussions  and have at last seen the light of day!

Jericho Sims is a cursed gunslinger in a wandering search across the American Old West as he seeks the demonic doctor who killed his comrades. Paranormal and supernatural events and creatures assail him on all fronts, and Jericho finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a world he never knew existed.

T. Mike McCurley’s smaller, unaffiliated short stories have been published on various sites, and some of them are now available for perusal at www.tmikemccurley.com.

T. Mike McCurley did me the honor of visiting my blog and the result was one of the most entertaining interviews ‘A Book And A Cup Of Coffee’ has ever hosted.

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  • Who exactly is T. Mike McCurley?

“I’m pretty much the guy next door. The one with a head full of weird ideas about how things should be as opposed to how they really are, and a desire to set down on paper the crazy things that run through my head on a daily basis. I chase dreams, and sometimes I catch them.”

  • How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I’ve always written stories of one stripe or another. All through school and on through the years since. One day I stumbled across a website offering superhero stories, and I decided to try my hand at submitting a few. That was my breakthrough into the superhero genre. The short stories I put together for that site became the backbone of my Emergence world (soon to be the default superhero setting for Lester Smith’s D6xD6 roleplaying game!). My Firedrake stories were a direct result of the Emergence tales. At the same time, my serial of post-apocalyptic survival, “Skyfall” (written under the pseudonym Jujen Kai), was making the rounds of the survival sites one chapter at a time. I have an eclectic group of stories. One of the only things that ties the vast majority of my stuff together is action.”

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  • Are your characters based on people you know?

“For the most part no. Remember, though: I write about cursed gunfighters and seven-foot tall humanoid dragons. There are a few attributes here and there that come from someone, but they get dropped into the blender of character creation and slapped down as just a part of the overall product. Elements of appearance – a hairstyle, perhaps – or a manner of speaking that sparks an image in my mind when I craft the character are not out of the question. But as to, “Hey that guy sounds just like Fred,” or similar? Nope. Unless you see yourself as my hero, in which case I encourage you to keep visualizing. The world needs more of that!”

  • What genre are your books?

“Firedrake definitely falls into the superhero genre. I have several short stories that also fit neatly in there. Jericho Sims is more of a science fiction/supernatural Western. I like to describe him as “Josey Wales meets Carl Kolchak” — a gunfighter who encounters elements of the paranormal that no one else seems to come across.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“This is where I am supposed to discuss how I sit down at my immaculate desk and everything is perfect. Not so much. I generally grab my laptop and literally put it on my lap. I put on some music and try to make sense of the myriad images rolling about in my head. I’m not one of those, “Every morning from six until seven-fifteen I write” kind of folk. I write what I can when I get the chance. I have a notebook and/or journal with me pretty much all the time for scribbling down random thoughts, and my phone is full of recorded messages to myself that I try to remember to transcribe. I’m kind of jumbled and piecemeal.”

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  • What are your current projects?

“Well, I just released Book 2 in the Adeventures of Jericho Sims. “Buried Treasure” sees Jericho in a race across Oklahoma Territory as he tries to recover a Native artifact before the creature it controls manages to stop him…the hard way.

I have another two Jericho short stories in the works, in various stages of first draft, and about seventy-five percent of the first novel, “Jericho’s Gold”, has been drafted. I’m also working on the next Firedrake release, a novel titled “Inquisition”, where the sinister Inquisitor finally makes himself known and begins a series of attacks on metahumans everywhere. A multi-part story of assassination and crime in the Anthills of Tulsa is also underway for Protodimension magazine, soon to be released in serial format.”

  • What’s next for you?

“The sky is the limit! It’s my intent to drop a few more Jericho Sims stories while I work on the novel. Let people come to know the man and follow his story. The short stories are litle snacks, and then the novel will be a full meal for fans. There are two additional Firedrake novels on the horizon as well, so folks who like the big guy can relax. I haven’t shelved him!

Rest assured, folks, that I am just getting started. What you see now is but a sample of what is to come.

Thanks for having me here for the interview. Y’all stay groovy.”

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH T. MIKE McCURLEY

Website link: www.tmikemccurley.com
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/TMikeMcCurley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-T-Mike-McCurley/1421173078141721
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HBJ9XXS

Marilyn Redmond talks about ‘Heaven on Earth’ and healing your soul

INTERVIEW

Marilyn Redmond is a winning international writer syndicated columnist, consultant, counselor, regression and past life therapist, and speaker sharing the dynamics of life for healing your life. She is a member of the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the International Board for Regression Therapy. She was inducted into Who’s Who for Professionals and Executives for her innovative and pioneering work restoring traumatic lives, healing emotional causes of illness and releasing negative energy through her innovative Therapeutic Hypnosis.
Marilyn’s first book, Roses Have Thorns is available at Amazon.com along with her other writings. Her next book is ‘Paradigm Busters, Reveal the Real You’. Her website offers articles, her radio show, interviews, lectures, and her art at angelicasgifts.com.

I had the honor to have a little chat with Marilyn and here is what we talked about.

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– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I wrote my first column for a local newspaper as a guest writer. I enjoyed it and began writing letters to the editor. I won a poetry contest and traveled to New York to receive my Golden Poet Award in 1991. I found the Long Ridge Writer’s correspondence course, from which I graduated and joined a local writing class. I also joined a local writers’ group that critiqued my work. Winning their international contest, gave me the courage and inner push to continue my writing. I found gradually that writing was easier and I enjoyed it.
My serious writing started when I began writing the book I am getting ready to publish which began 25 years ago. For about 8 years, I attended the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and I was able to attend the many classes throughout the week. During the time of working on my coming book, I included writing articles, other shorter books and E-books, and twice being a columnist. At this point more than a million readers have read my writing. I continue to post articles on my blog, other blogs, and metaphysical internet newspapers.”

– Was getting published hard?

“I was most fortunate in getting my first book published. My writing teacher also was a publisher. After class one evening, I asked her if she was interested in publishing my book. Her immediate answer was yes, she thought it should be in every waiting room of therapists. It was so easy. It has not always been that easy.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

“Most of my writing has been based on my own experience and wisdom; however, my forthcoming book is also based on my clients’ experiences from being a counselor. I have slightly adjusted the stories to disguise the people, and have changed the names. However, the stories are basically true.”

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– What genre are your books?

“I write about empowerment, personal growth, relationships, hypnosis, past lives, holistic health, addictions, domestic violence, education, and spiritual topics as channeling, ascended masters, and angels.”

– Which of your books is your most favorite?

“I have not thought about a most favorite book as they all tell different parts of my life in various parts of recovery and victory over traumatic difficulties.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I keep thinking I should have a routine. My life is unpredictable with seeing clients, speaking, and volunteer work. I write when inspired and the opportunity and time opens. Surprisingly, space appears when I need to write.”

– What are your current projects?

“I am getting my next book, ‘Paradigm Busters, Reveal the Real You’ ready for publication. This has been a 25-year project. I am also ready to produce an audio and CD presentation that is a joint work with an Australian writer.”

– What’s next for you?

“I have several more books on the back burner waiting to be published. My channeling that is on You Tube will be in a coming book. I plan a Vol. Two of my poetry, and a next book to follow ‘Paradigm Busters’. In addition, I have several articles waiting to be written.”

STAY IN CONTACT WITH MARILYN REDMOND

Marilyn was ordained as a spiritual minister to do readings and spiritual counseling along with healing illness, regression therapy, past life therapy, and healing your soul. In addition, she channels Ascended Masters, Archangels, and brings in your family members who have passed over to the other side. Enjoy her channeling on YouTube along with her lectures and interviews. Marilyn is multi-talented and wishes to share her abilities with everyone.

Marilyn Redmond Skype ID: angelicasgifts
Author website: http://angelicasgifts.com
Twitter account: http://twitter.com/RedmondBooks

BUY LINKS

https://www.createspace.com/4947290
http://www.amazon.com/Marilyn-Redmond/e/B0069WIKDC

T.C. Ricks on his new book ‘Grenademan Vs the Zombies’

INTERVIEW

Thwarted from conquering the world via Molecular Biology in undergraduate school, T.C. Ricks went into the world of Technical Writing. To keep from dying of horrible death by a thousand cuts, he began to write fiction. Five novels and close to sixty stories later, he has begun to sell his works on Amazon.com. He also maintains a podcast, Tossing Grenades at Windmills. T.C. Ricks enjoys life in Charlotte, N.C with his wonderful wife Julia.

Today I have the pleasure to have a little chat with T.C. Ricks about writing and his new book ‘Grenademan Vs the Zombies’.

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  • So, how did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“After 10 years of being a contractor, I looked around and decided that I wasn’t accomplishing well…anything….I wanted something to feel like I had done something with my life. 5 Novels and 30 short stories later, I’m very happy with what I’ve done. This novel is the first one I’ve polished to professional standards for sale on places like Smashwords and Createspace.”

  • Was getting published hard?

“I’m currently self-published.”

  • Are your characters based on people you know?

“No, but the people in the gaming group in the book are inspired by archetypes in many of the gaming groups that I’ve been in the past for good or ill. Other characters are based on amalgams of several people.”

  • What genre are your books?

“’Grenademan vs the Zombies’ is Urban Fantasy.

‘Spiders in the Sugar Factory’ is next which will be a chapbook of poetry.

‘Forever West’, which is currently being proofed, is Steam Punk.

  • Which of your books is your most favorite?

“’Forever West’ is my BEST, which I suppose makes it my favorite.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I will write 100-200 words, read, then repeat. I try to get 1000 words a day done but it comes in stops and starts.”

  • What are your current projects?

“Tossing Grenades at Windmills the Novel which is the first of the trilogy that Grenademan Vs the Zombies is in. I’m also planning for a Fairy Tale Modern Novel for National Novel Writing Month.

  • What’s next for you?

“Spiders in the Sugar Factory. The poems are selected and ready, but I need to select pictures and graphics to go with the chapbook and put it together.”

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Grenademan Vs the Zombies

Order and Chaos have fought their little chess matches on world after world, often coming to draw. So when Order found a new, and powerful champion in an insane superhero, Chaos had to step up his game. And he found it in an ambitious would be sorcerer called Jarvi who had bet his gaming group that they could not survive the Zombie Apocalypse and really MEANT it. Now Jarvi would start an apocalypse just to prove them wrong.

And somehow, Grenademan had to stop it. While the Circle of Gamers regard him an insane, the government trying to kill him and his own sanity quite questionable, Grenademan has to keep four people alive while seven different kinds of zombies are trying to kill them.

BUY LINKS

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/558157

http://www.amazon.com/T.C.-Ricks/e/B00IEGTHY/

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH T.C. RICKS

http://tossinggrenadesatwindmills.blogspot.com/

http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/tossing-grenades-at-windmills-podcast

E.B. Joseph talks about ‘Homeschool Adventure Show: Interview Highlights –First Grade Book I’

INTERVIEW

E.B. Joseph is a retired U.S. Marine of over 20 years. She is the Founder/CEO of Plan2Win, Solutions, LLC. She is an Online Entrepreneur and currently a Homeschool Mom. What she does best is consolidate information in simple and easy to follow formats.

Recently I had the pleasure to have a little chat with E.B. Joseph about her book ‘Homeschool Adventure Show: Interview Highlights –First Grade Book I’.

“When I retired from the military, I had two dreams-homeschool my child and work for myself. It started with writing the books floating in my brain and it has blossomed into much more,” she said to me.

  • So how did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“It started as a way to generate extra income while being a Homeschool Mom.”

  • Was getting published hard?

“I self-published on Amazon Kindle.”

  • What genre is your book?

“My Book is non-fiction. It is a collection of Interview Highlights from the transcribe show notes from my Homeschool Podcast from BlogTalk Radio. It is a look into the teaching and learning of a homeschool child. It is targeted for those currently homeschooling or thinking about Homeschooling.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I like to write in the early morning hours.”

  • What are your current projects?

“Building my online presence with Facebook.”

  • What’s next for you?

“I’m planning to position myself as a Testing Evaluator for homeschoolers.”

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Homeschool Adventure Show: Interview Highlights –First Grade Book I

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XU5551Q

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolAdventureShow

Website: http://www.homeschooladventureshow.com/

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/c18yFhKsxmg

Emma Plows on ‘Autistic Blessings and Bipolar me: A frank and brutally honest diary from a mother with Bipolar and her two Autistic boys’

INTERVIEW

Emma Plows is a 37 year old mother with Bipolar.

“I have Bipolar, it doesn’t have me!” says she.

Emma has been married for 18 years and has two teenage boys with Autism.

Today I have the honour to talk with Emma about her book ‘Autistic blessings and Bipolar me.: A frank and brutally honest diary of a mother with Bipolar and her two Autistic boys’.

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  • First of all, who exactly is Emma Plows?

“In February 2007 I was diagnosed with Bipolar type one after a long battle with post-natal depression, where I was hospitalised numerous times. Throughout the period between 2004 to 2009 myself Noah and Moses were all given a diagnosis of something life changing, but as a mother I refused to be labelled and judged by a medical condition. I am Emma Plows; I am not Emma Plows with Bipolar.”

  • Could you please tell me more about your book?

“My book is my diary so it’s literally the way I felt at the time. Brutally honest and the odd naughty word now and then.

My book is a memoir and should appeal to anyone who has encountered mental illness, grief or Autism.

It’s my understanding that when you discover your child is on the autistic spectrum you really need to accept the diagnosis. Accept it, let it grow and don’t hinder its development. Autistic people cannot understand how the world works like we can and have difficulty understanding how people think, but we can. We have that capacity to understand them, if we choose too we should take advantage of that capacity.

“I have Bipolar, it doesn’t have me!”

If we don’t accept that our children are autistic, then we are only condemning ourselves and our children to a life of frustrating misery. Work with it, not against it, it doesn’t matter why they behave the way they do as we cannot change it, but we must find the beauty in the condition and all the positives it has to offer, if we try, it gets easier and can become very rewarding.”

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  • How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I suppose I became a writer by accident. I have dyslexia, I take powerful medication for my Bipolar and my sons need a lot of support so becoming a writer was never on the agenda. Whilst I was ill, years back, I started to write a diary, to put down on paper what I really felt. I felt that as soon as the words hit the paper the negative feelings belonged to the paper and not me.”

  • Was getting published hard?

“I tried to get published by a publisher but I was knocked back so many times I thought now is the time to just do it. Just go it alone and tell my story. I wanted other parents to know that they are allowed to be ill but they shouldn’t feel guilty. Look after yourself to ensure your family are well too.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I can write at any time of the day and usually just with paper and a pencil. I like the sound a pencil makes.”

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  • What’s next for you?

“I’m currently writing my second book, The Autism chronicles which explains many other parents’ experiences of the Autism assessment process.”

Autistic Blessings and Bipolar me.: “A frank and brutally honest diary from a mother with Bipolar and her two Autistic boys”

Kindle book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autistic-blessings-Bipolar-me-brutally-ebook/dp/B00UP14762/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autistic-Blessings-Bipolar-me-brutally/dp/1508886075/

GET IN TOUCH WITH EMMA PLOWS

Website: http://www.autisticblessings.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlowsEmma

Nick Mackie on ‘Chester and the Eggie Boo’, his latest children’s picture book

INTERVIEW

Nick Mackie is an award winning animator, director, illustrator and writer. He has worked for studios such as Aardman Animations & Picasso Pictures. Nick has won BBC Talent for his animation and a RTS award. His animation films have been shown on BBC, Canal + and others and featured in competition at many international festivals.

Recently I had the honour to have a little chat with Nick and here is what he said to me…

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– Nick, what is your latest book?

Chester and the Eggie Boo’ is my latest children’s picture book. It was published in July and was originally a kickstarter project. It is a 32 page full colour hardback book aimed at pre-school readers.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I started writing as I had stories that I wanted to tell that would have taken too long in animation and for which I didn’t have the budget. I was always working on illustrated books and small press comics while working in animation.”

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– Was getting published hard?

“Getting published is hard as is getting an agent. So far I have self-published all my books. Thankfully self-publishing has become a respectable way of getting well-made books to the public.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

“Chester in ‘Chester and the Eggie Boo’ is loosely based on my son who is now five and was inspired by watching him play with his toy trains.”

– What genre are your books?

“I currently write and illustrate children’s picture books.
I have also written on YA novel and am currently writing a second novel which is a crime thriller.”

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– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“Chester and the Eggie Boo is my favourite at the moment because it’s my most recent and I am really happy with the way the design and illustrations turned out.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I probably do my best writing in the early morning when everyone else in the house is still asleep. I illustrate or animate during the day.”

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– What are your current projects?

“I am planning the next in the Eggie Boo series and working on a new picture book.”

– What’s next for you?

“I’m looking at book apps and working out how to go about making one. As an animator it would be great to combine my animation skills with my picture book illustration.”

 

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH NICK MACKIE

http://www.nickmackie.co.uk/

Chester and the Eggie Boo

www.eggieboo.com

Twitter: @nickmackiebook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eggieboobook

BUY LINKS

For a signed hardback copy of Chester and the Eggie Boo

http://www.eggieboo.com/

Chester and the Eggie Boo at Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chester-Eggie-Boo-Nick-Mackie/dp/0956329012/

and at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Chester-Eggie-Boo-Nick-Mackie/dp/0956329012

 

D.E. Haggerty and her new book ‘Jack gets his man: Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives’

INTERVIEW

Author D.E. Haggerty celebrates the release of her new book Jack Gets His Man and today I have the pleasure to have a little chat with her about books, surfing and Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives!

But first things first, THE BOOK:

Book title: Jack Gets His Man

Series: The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives, Book 2

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Author: D.E. Haggerty

Genre: Romantic Comedy (M/M)

Published: July 1, 2015

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Gets-His-Man-Gray-Haired-ebook/dp/B00YBZITC6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25552260-jack-gets-his-man

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/551332

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Synopsis:

Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle. But then his smoking hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the gray-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.

  • First of all, congrats on your new book. It sounds amazing, I can’t wait to read it. However I would like to know more about you. So who exactly is D.E. Haggerty?

“I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. I’m leaning towards somewhere I can learn to surf even though the hubby thinks that’s a less than sound way to decide where to live. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between playing tennis, running much slower than I would like, trying to adopt every stray dog within a 5-mile radius, traveling to exotic new locales, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, addictively watching new movies and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.”

  • How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I tried everything else out and writing was the only thing left? But seriously, I’ve always been writing stories, poems, songs, etc. I wrote my first book on a school bus when I was in 6th grade. I’ve converted my Bed & Breakfast into a group rental and so now I have the time to write.”

  • Was getting published hard?

“I’m self-published so no. A lot of companies try to make self-publishing sound more difficult than it is so that they can make money off of new writers, but it’s just a matter of doing your research. Formatting is boring but it’s not difficult.”

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  • Are your characters based on people you know?

“Everyone assumes that, don’t they? When I started writing, I was definitely ‘borrowing’ characters from real life. The more I write the easier it is to develop characters that are entirely unique (at least I hope so!).”

  • What genre is your book?

Jack Gets His Man is a romantic comedy (M/M) with a side of mystery. It’s the second book in my Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives series. The series will consist of three books – unless I get caught up in a new character who I thinks deserves his or her own book.”

  • Which of your books is your most favorite?

“That’s like trying to pick a favorite child! Each book is a favorite for a different reason. Jack Gets His Man is a favorite because I overcame my fears of writing the novel from the perspective of a gay man.”

  • Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I’m pretty anal and organized so yeah I have a routine. For each book, I have a diary in which I keep my character descriptions, outline, chapter ideas, and research. I write first thing in the morning for three hours. I try to write a chapter a day when I’m working on a book. I’ve learned to take a month off after a book is finished to concentrate on marketing because otherwise both the writing and marketing suffer if I try to do them at the same time.”

  • What are your current projects?

“I have three books in the works. In the first place, I want to finish the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives series with the third book. It will be the toughest case the ladies have to solve as one of their own is accused of murder. I’m also working on a spy/romance set in Istanbul during World War II as I’m living in Istanbul at the moment and I’m a total history geek. I also want to write a sequel to Life Discarded in which I explain what happens to a woman after she throws her life away (which is what the heroine did in the Life Discarded).”

  • What’s next for you?

“Besides working on the three books I mentioned, I’m trying hard to give my personal blog more attention and improving my Readsalot blog (a blog to market indie writers). On a personal level, my husband and I are researching where we will be heading after November when his contract in Istanbul expires. I’m pushing Australia as I’m dying to learn to surf before I’m too old (although that ship may have already sailed).”

Author links

Website: http://www.dehaggerty.com

Blog: http://www.dehaggerty.com/mymusings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dehaggerty

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denaehaggerty

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DEHaggerty/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/denahaggerty/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210211.D_E_Haggerty

Email: dena@dehaggerty.com