Topic: Book Review
By Lea Schizas
YA Fantasy
ISBN: 1-932993-08-8 (Trade Paperback)
ISBN: 1-932993-09-6 (E-Book)
Release Date: April 2005
Price: paperback -- $12.95
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As promised, today Lea Schizas shares an article with you guys. Don't forget to join Lea in chat tonight at 8 PM EST--just click on the chat room link on my home page at http://joyceanthony.tripod.com Lea will answer questions about her book, writing and projects!!! Stop back tomorrow for my review of The Rock of Realm. Now, here's Lea's wonderful tips for writers!!
Ten Tips for Writers
By Lea Schizas
At times all we need is someone to point the way, to motivate us when we’re feeling as though our writing world is crashing down on us. Before I offer you the tips below let me just add that there will always be naysayers around you while you are climbing your writing career. It is up to you to weed and discard these naysayers and not allow them to take you down. Always remember why you write...to entertain. Remember the passion you feel when writing and place these naysayers in the back of your mind. No one can understand a writer more than a writer.
Here are my simple ten tips to help you:
A- the type who needs to outline the whole story before you write or
B- the one who writes the whole story down while it’s fresh in your head and then worry about the filling in stage and editing.
I fall in the B category and it's worked for me so far.
As you write more and more you will discover your own writing voice, your own writing habits, your own sense of what your surroundings should be in order to help you write in peace.
As a mother of five, there is no such thing as 'peace and quiet' in my household. Yet I managed to secure a four book deal in January with two publishers. What I have is determination, persevrance, and a deep passion for writing. Possess these qualities and no matter how many times kids yell in the background for one thing or the other, a dog who needs to go out for a walk, a husband who needs his coffee...you will always find time to write if you avoid the naysayers and possess those three attributes.
Author’s Bio: Lea Schizas is an award-winning author and editor. She is the author of the award-winning young adult fantasy/adventure, The Rock of Realm, and the young adult paranormal suspense/thriller, Doorman’s Creek.
Isn't this cover wonderful!!! This is the latest YA book by Lea Schizas and I must tell you I have some treats for you over the next few days!!!! THis woman is an nspiration to writers everywhere. For that reason, you will get to experience the incredible woman behind this book and read some of her work. You'll also get a chance to meet and talk with Lea!!! Read on to see what I have in store for you!!!
Today you will get a chance to meet through her biography and read a brief excerpt from The Rock of Realm. Tomorrow, February 29, Lea shares her ten top tips for writers here and then will join us for a live chat at 8 PM EST in my chatroom. Just go to http://joyceanthony.tripod.com and scroll down to the Chat room icon and join us for what promises to be a lively and fun experience. On March 1, I'll feature my own review of The Rock of Realm. On March 2, I will give you some links to all the wondrous projects Lea Schizas has going on in her life. When it's all over here and you want to learn more about Lea Schizas--and you WILL want to know more--hop on over to her main website at http://leaschizaseditor.com/ and plan on spending a bit of time.
This is Lea :-)
Lea Schizas, a short story competition winner, livesin Montreal, Canada with her husband Jimmy and five children. She is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of two Writer's Digest 101 Best Writing Sites of 2005, "Apollo's Lyre" and "The MuseItUp Club". She is a member of The Writing Village University (WVU), Senior Editor of the print magazine Coffee Cramp Magazine, founder of the column zine The Muse Marquee, and The Muse Online Writers Conference, Editor and co-author for The Muse on Writing(a writer’s reference guide) and Aleatory’s Junction.The Rock of Realm is the first in a series of quests and adventure for her heroine, Alexandra Stone, Princess of Rock Kingdom.Here is just a tiny peek into The Rock of Realm:
as a loyal subject to my Queen. But first, a feast, and all will be explained.”He
gestured them towards the table. From underneath it, he plucked up an extra
stool for Sarah, several plates, platters and goblets and placed them on the
table. Pops strolled underneath the table, inspected it, came out, and then went
under the table once more. “There’s nothing here! Where you getting all this
stuff from?” Pops asked, scratching his head with his little paw as he emerged
from underneath the table.“Curiosity killed the cat, remember?” Butch joked as
he plopped his weary body heavily beside Alex’s stool.Alex spotted the
concentrated gaping stare Butch was giving Larok. This made her uneasy. She
had never seen Butch react to anyone the way he did to Larok. Larok’s eyes
were kind yet there was a faraway coldness to them that puzzled Alex.“You
are a feisty one, aren’t you, just like Jinx. I have my means for survival, little
one.” Larok reached over, picked up Jinx and placed him on the floor. He
placed a bowl for each animal filled with corn, roast beef and sunflower seeds,
something for each of their liking. The girls were treated to a succulent entrée
of what appeared to be spinach pastries, roast leg of lamb, mashed potatoes
and peas. Their goblets, along with the animals’, brimmed to the hilt with water,
always filling magically on their own.Pops shoveled the food in his mouth, little
bits escaping by the side of his lips. Butch sniffed his plate before eating.True to
his word, when the meal was over, dishes cleared and placed under this
enchanted table, Larok began to answer their questions. “The Princess you
most certainly are because only an enchantress could have opened up the
passageway to our dimension. You also have your mother’s deep blue eyes,”
Larok said.Alex was taken aback. “I don’t understand,” she uttered, shaking
her head in disbelief. How could he possibly know what colour my mother’s
eyes are?“Let me start from the beginning. You know of Dread’s plan to exile
the Queen, Sappy informed you of this much. When Dread supposedly was
vanquished of all his powers by the council he was confined where he could do
no more harm.”“What is this Tunnel that Sappy mentioned?” Sarah asked.
Alex surmised that it wasn’t a joy ride in some amusement park. Sarah leaned
forward on her stool, pushing a long tress of red hair behind her ear that was
tickling her nose.“It’s a place deep within the underground of the outer regions
of the Wall, a cavern full of mazes and creatures of the earth, where the
condemned are sent, never to return, for there is no path out.”“Sounds cozy,”
Pops murmured.“Please, how do you know for certain that I am the Princess,
like you claim?” Alex was still troubled with this thought. For some unexplained
reason, Alex felt familiar with this world. But she flustered with this feeling and
pushed it out of the way, reasoning that the surroundings were similar to her
parent’s country place. That’s all. After all, her parents would have confided in
her that she was a Princess, wouldn’t they? she thought.“I was there the day
you were born. There is a pink raised marking on the back of your neck
shaped in a circle,” Larok revealed, pointing towards her nape.This revelation
amazed Alex. She, indeed, had a birthmark like the one he described. “All
enchantresses possess this marking, your moLAROK REVEALS THE
TRUTH Alex stood, flabbergasted and confused, staring blankly at Larok.
”There must be some mistake. I am no Princess,” Alex mumbled, feeling as if
someone just knocked the wind out of her.”I can vouch for that,” Sarah added.
“I’ve known her all my life.”“Have you?” Larok questioned with cynicism as he
grinned, revealing perfectly aligned teeth. “Would everyone like something to
eat?”“Hold on, freak, you can’t spring something like this and then expect us to
eat? On second thought, I am a little hungry.” Pops began to rub his stomach
as it gurgled. He scurried towards the table.“Why would you think Alex is a
Princess?” Butch insisted, nearing Larok threateningly. “And I do want an
answer!” He continued his stride; closer and closer he approached Larok. His
smooth brown fur prickled upwards, his tail flagged up and down with such f
ury it was obvious he was not pleased with their host.Larok stood his ground,
his eyes never wavering from the challenging stare-down. The falls echoed
musically in the room breaking the steady rhythmic panting coming from Pops
and Jinx.Finally, Larok raised his hands in defeat. “All right, my dear defender,
I will explain, my word ther, too.”Alex watched as Larok studied her reaction
carefully. She shuffled her feet as his intense stare made her feel
uncomfortable.“How can my mother be the Queen when she lives somewhere
else?” Alex asked, defiantly, stepping back a few steps as if Larok had just
slapped her across the face.“Good question. Before his exile, Dread had one
more surprise. He had retrieved and hid your mother’s Rock of Realm. Fearing
he might one day use it, the only way to protect our dimension, and yours, from
the evil that had possessed her brother was for her to enter your world and live
within its confine as a protector.”“Can’t Dread just use this rock and enter?”
Butch asked. Alex began to pace the room.“Your companion is as wise as
you, Princess. No, to your question. Dread must have sensed your presence
and transported your mother’s Rock of Realm and the Glory Dust to lure you
in.”Alex let out a long, slow breath as she upped her pacing trying to absorb
this overwhelming discovery she was hit with. Sarah maintained her stooped
pose, her gaze bouncing back and forth from Alex to Larok as if watching a
tennis match.“Lure me in for what purpose?” Alex demanded, clenching her
fists in frustration.“By luring you here, I suppose, and I am assuming his
intentions, his purpose is to capture you and try to incite your mother to find
you. This way, your dimension is free to enter.”“Why didn’t they say anything t
o me? All these years and not one word.” Alex meant for this to be a quiet
thought but her outburst was born of anger.Larok’s cloak dragged behind him
giving the illusion that he floated towards Alex. Tenderly placing his hand on
her shoulder, he said, “How could they explain all this to you, a child?”“Ah,
hello, have you checked the mirror lately? You’re no man yourself, you know,”
Pops said, severing the tension that began to smother the room.Larok laughed.
“I suppose you’re right, in a way, my little friend. My body is of a lad, but I am
over 200 of your Earth years old.”“How can that be?” Alex shrugged off
Larok’s sympathetic touch to her shoulder and marched by the ice wall. She
was angry and since he was the one who had enlightened her as to who she
really was, she projected this rage towards him. “And why is this room so
boring compared to its exterior?”“Dread imprisoned me here with a spell when
I revealed his plot to the council. The Qulany birds are my eyes since I cannot
step out of this room. The Qulany birds warn me of any danger approaching.
The ice palace I’ve conjured is a force field, a protection against Dread sensing
my presence. I am able to transport from place to place, but, I have to admit, it
is getting harder and harder to avoid him. His powers are getting stronger but I
don’t know who is helping him.”“If he captures Alex,” Butch asked, “what will
he do with her?”Larok walked away toward his cot, sat down and with weary
eyes looked at Butch. “He will vanquish her to the Tunnel,” Larok said
despairingly, averting their stares.Alex marched out the ice door leaving the
others behind.“Shouldn’t we go after her?” Pops was jumping up and down,
agitated by this whole affair.“Leave her for a while,” Sarah replied. “Let her
work things out for herself.”Jinx comfortably nestled by Larok’s feet, while
Pops continued his jumping from table to stool to table and back. Butch paced
the floor, contemplating whether or not he should go and comfort Alex. Sarah
sat down, cross-legged on the floor, with a book she removed from one of the
book walls. The title had caught her attention, “Legacy of Rock
Kingdom”.Alex stood, alone, glowering about her. How can this be? There has
to be a mistake. Yet, the moment she had heard Sappy utter the Queen’s
name, Miranda, her gut told her that her déjà vu might be right. Softly tracing
its outline with her fingers, Alex felt her birthmark. “It must be true. It has to be
or else I’ve gone crazy with Sarah and this is all a dream.”All sorts of emotions
rippled through her; unmistakable anger at her parents for keeping this from
her, and fear for her parents in case they come for her and are captured by
Dread. She felt as if someone had just punctured and trampled all over her
heart.
*****
Now, doesn't that make you want to read more? Take my word for it--I have and you will love this book no matter what your age!!!
Join us tomorrow for Lea's Ten Tips for Writers and don't forget to stop by the chat room tomorrow evening to say hello!!!
Janet Elaine Smith has released an updated version of her Promo Paks which is availalable here:
I was very excited to have a chance to review this book. Janet Elaine Smith is one of the very best when it comes to book promotion and now she is sharing some of her most valuable secrets.
Set up in an easy-to-understand format, Ms. Smith takes you through hundreds of ideas you can put into action immedicately. Nothing costs an arm and a leg to do and most can be done sitting in your pajamas at home.
For anyone just starting on their book marketing adventure, this is a must-have book. You will want to start putting everything in action immediately with the enthusiasm that radiates from within the pages of the Promo Paks. I caution you, however, not to stop reading or you will miss a multitude of sales just waiting for you.
I can guarantee you will want this book kept beside you on your desk--and may want to order two copies, as it won't be long before you've worn the pages out with use!!
Steven Wand the person
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
caring, perceptive, visionary
2. How do you think others would describe you?
intelligent, loving, wise, healer
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
being a great father and growing my spiritual power and assisting others to evolve spiritually as well
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
the family cat - Buddie (grey & white long hair - very mellow)
5. What is (one of )your most precious memories?
our wedding reception, climbing into the Rolls Royce and joining friends at a club
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
peeing my pants in the dentist chair (about 8 years old)
7. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
what I’m doing now - residential painting contractor and/or healer/health practitioner.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Steven Wand came into this life to cross the final finish line. His struggles and his loving family guided him to discover his greatest truth. Steven found the light of God within himself and inspired others to do the same. His love for his daughters and wife filled him to the point where he could finally love himself.
Steven’s love for becoming more inspired and touched the lives of thousands of people and this planet is transformed because him. He has now joined thousands of other beings of light and will remain faithfully in service to all of us growing our light and love so that we may share it with the world.
Steven Wand the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?
when an article I submitted to the Salt Lake Tribune was published ( ten years ago)
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
just published first book, writing weekly articles, setting up a blog, starting a sequel journal to go along with first book.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
syndicated column, screenplays, more personal development books, a children’s book or two.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
nothing too typical yet. I write when I can squeeze it in. To do the book I took 3 months off from my painting career.
13. Why do you write?
It allows me to become clearer about who I am and where I am going and I believe my voice will assist others in their path of self discovery.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Neil Walsh - he’s breaking down the old spiritual paradigm.
15. How do you define your writing?
It’s heartfelt, simple and to the point.
16. In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
I connected with Steven’s writings, because he seemed to know exactly who I was and where I truly wanted to go - my life was greatly altered for the better because of him.
Steven Wand the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
www.livingtheheartlife.blogspot.com and the website,
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
email through website www.livingtheheartlife.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
we have just the one. Living the Heart Life...letting go of the Hard Life
20. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Sincere, heartfelt insight into what it will take for them to live an empowered, abundant life and to be inspired to expand who they think they are.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
That I truly care about them. That I know their pains and I know the truth of how powerfully constructive they can become. That my writings are intended to be a catalyst for them to look at their disempowering beliefs and begin to find ways to love themselves and others so that they may step towards their spiritual freedom and fulfill the purpose of life and that is to raise our consciousness and live and vibrate from a place of divine love, not human, conditional, part-time love.
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Open-minded, eccentric, free-spirited
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Unfathomable, kind (hopefully), imaginative
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
I can't stand injustice. I'm usually fairly soft-spoken, prefer to blend into the background, rather than stand out, but when some small or larger injustice is done to me or someone around me, I'll stand up and fight, even if it's for a stranger.
I often wish I had time to go into politics, but then I'm probably too much of an idealist for that.
Other than that, I'm a movie buff and if I had more money, I would certainly spend it on travel.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
Nope, sorry. Even plants die in my house, so...I'm not risking it.
5. What is your most precious memory?
Meeting someone I admire very much.
It was a fairly impersonal meeting and by no means private, but he, being the kind and generous person that he is, made it special for me in a very personal way. He signed his book for me and with a few words made me feel that he appreciated me being there. I was amazed at how much was said in that short conversation - we each exchanged only a few sentences - but he made me feel like for those few minutes, he was there only for me.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
That's a tough question, because I don't feel embarrassed easily. Either that or I have very selective memory!
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Haha, I'm actually doing something else with my life, apart from being a writer, although I'd love to be able to write for a living! Sadly I need to work fulltime to stay alive. I have changed careers though and I may change again. I'm not the type to sit still, so what may work for me today, will seem boring or unappealing to me tomorrow.
If I'd have to choose, I'd say, my dream has always been to be a movie director, but I seriously doubt that will ever happen.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Zahra Owens, a bestselling romance novelist, died on Saturday in her East Sussex cottage where she did most of her writing. The 97-year old author had moved there from her native Belgium after her first novel reached the top of the New York Times Bestseller list more than 55 years earlier, allowing her to become a full time writer.
Although not a native English speaker, Ms. Owens was at the forefront of a group of female romance writers who collectively swayed public opinion, ultimately carving the way for worldwide acceptance of same-sex marriage and who, through the subject matter of their books, almost completely eradicated homophobia and gender bias.
She is survived by many generations of loyal fans and will be cremated after a non-denominational ceremony at Brighton beach. Her remains will be scattered in space by the next passenger ship to the moon colony.
(I'm sorry, it's 3 paragraphs. I'm not known for writing short stories)
Zahra Owens the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When I finished my first novel length story and couldn't wait to start a new one.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm still slaving away behind my keyboard and both trying to finish the three or so stories I have going through my mind and trying to rework some of my already finished ones into a novel to offer for publication.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
I'd love to publish more, but I'd also like to stretch my writing muscle a bit and venture out into undiscovered terrain, by changing the genre I write in.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I don't have one really. There are days when I can't get a letter on paper and days when I write 2 or 3000 words in one sitting. I try to write every day, but I also need to work for a living and I'm easily distracted.
13. Why do you write?
To get the stories out of my head. It's a compulsion almost. When there are outside reasons why I can't write, because I don't have the time or because work is very stressed out, that's when I feel that compulsion most.
It's also escapism of course!
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
I'm not going to name names, because it really depends on my mood.
I love writers who can take me on an adventure and make me feel like I'm there with the characters. I also like writers who challenge my way of thinking, who make me see a different side of the story.
I don't appreciate writers solely for their literary value. Because I was never schooled in English, I never read ‘The Great Works of Literature', so my response to novels and books is usually purely emotional.
15. How do you define your writing?
From the heart. And it doesn't always follow ‘the rules'.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
She opened my eyes to a different way of thinking.
Zahra Owens the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
Website : http://www.zahraowens.com/
Blog: http://zahra-owens.livejournal.com/
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
Yes, they can comment in my blog or email me at zahra.owens@gmail.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
I only have one novel available so far: Diplomacy from Dreamspinner Press, but there are two short stories of mine available as E-books at their site as well.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
I write homo-erotic romance stories with often flawed male characters who don't follow the rules. They are rarely alpha males, but never cliché sissies, in short, they're the type of man you could easily meet in real life. Most of my work is contemporary, but my next novel may well be a mix of contemporary and historical romance and somewhere in my future is at least one sci-fi story.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
Talking about yourself is hard, because it means you need to analyze your work and I really try not to do that too much. What I write comes from my heart and my stomach, more than from my head and should be read that way too.
When you read (any books, not just mine) you should open yourself up to the stories that are told and take the characters into your heart, where you can give them a warm, safe place to live. That's where my characters come from, from my heart. They've lived there and I nurtured them and let them grow and now they're on the page waiting for another heart to accept them and keep them alive.
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Caring, affectionate and funny
2. How do you think others would describe you?
A good listener. Also...
Creative.
Silly.
Outgoing and friendly (read: talkative)
And... some folks think I'm a pretty good cook and baker. Also, my writing group (who totally rock, btw!) think I'm a pretty good rhyming poet, too.
Let's see - what else? Oh yeah...
Procrastinator and full of disorganized chaos. (Actually, those characteristics are mostly thought by my husband. Sadly, it's true. Fortunately, people outside of my house seem surprised when I say that!)
Dependable and cheerful.
And last...
My kids think I'm cool, but I am quite sure they will outgrow it. And probably fairly soon, too. (Heavy sigh.)
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
My family first and foremost, followed by my friends. I'm a very, very, very lucky lady!
About the other stuff: I love to cook and bake, read, sing in the shower and celebrate any holiday that is fun. I love to do portrait photographs of children, see Broadway musicals and collect pins from places I've visited. I'm an inveterate doodler. I'm also a chocoholic of the first degree. I love teddy bears. I would be passionate about music if I had any musical talent. I'm a Sudoku maniac. I love to wrap presents with beautiful, elegant bows. Talking...Ummmm...although the list goes on, I'll shut up for now...
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
Yep! Corky the Crazed Cairn Terrier. She is sweet, funny, incredibly smart and she thinks she is the boss in our house. (And I'm slightly ashamed to admit she's right.)
5. What is your most precious memory?
That would have to be one of three things (or all three, if I can squeeze in three most precious memories): 1.) the day my husband and I got married. It was beautiful. The funny thing about that day, however, is that just before I was to walk down the aisle, my mother told me how beautiful I looked, which made me cry - so I told my sister to tell me a dirty joke, and that was enough to get me to regain my composure (sort of) and walk down that aisle.
2.) How my husband proposed: He flew me to Washington D.C. on the Friday night before Christmas. Nothing happened that night. The next day, we went to the Smithsonian where we spent most of the day at the Air and Space Museum (something which he really wanted to do.) Finally, he asked me where I wanted to do - and I practically shouted, "The GEMS! I want to see the Hope DIAMOND! [Hint! Hint!} After we did this, we went back to our hotel to change for dinner. Since it was unseasonably warm that December, and we still had some time before our reservations, we headed over to the mall in front of the White House. All around the mall were 50+ Christmas trees (one for each state and the rest for US territories.) There was a band shell, too with carolers - and at one end of the mall was the National Christmas Tree. In front of the National Christmas Tree, he popped the question!
2.) those wonderful moments on the first day of Spring when my twins babies were born. My son and daughter were tiny little preemies, but they were gorgeous. It was magical!
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Kind of a long story...
When I was 17, I visited a friend who had moved to Tennessee with her family. One day while I was visiting there, a bunch of us took a boat to a small island in the middle of a nearby lake. On the island, there was a small cliff (maybe 30 feet up or so? - I don't know. It seemed HIGH!) There was a tree branch at the top of the cliff which over hung the water and the branch had a Tarzan rope tied to it, which had several old bandanas tied to it for the ‘swinger' to get a better grip.
I was (and still am!) very afraid of heights, but I finally decided to climb up the rocks to the top of the cliff, like everyone else was doing.
Once I got up there, there was that proverbial GULP! You know the GULP! I mean: that not-so-distant relative to the AAAAARRRRRGGGH!
I saw there was no way I could climb back down all those steep nasty rocks, so I realized I could either stay there for the rest of my life (not an appealing proposition, to be honest) - or - I would have to use the Tarzan swing to get back down.
So...I grabbed the rope and swung out over the water - and let go.
SPLASH!
After I came up from the water, I thought, Hey, this isn't so bad. In fact, it's kind of fun! I think I'll do it again.
Bad idea. Really bad idea.
As it happened, that day I was wearing a two piece bathing suit. The top of it hooked and tied in the front. Now, I'm not quite sure how it happened, but when I attempted the Tarzan swing for the second time, one of the old bandanas, which was quite faded and frayed, got caught in the front hook of my bathing suit top. Unfortunately, at the exact moment the bandana decided to entangle itself with my bathing suit top, I chose to let go of the rope, and the result was that the bandana and my bathing suit top were yanked up to my neck, leaving me suspended there, ‘with my goodies hanging out," as my friend's older brother told everyone. And I do mean everyone.
I did manage eventually to get myself free, but not before a boatload of kids came by and saw the whole thing. And cheered.
Yep - my face was really red! Without a doubt, that was my most embarrassing moment.
And I cannot believe I just shared that.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Probably a portrait photographer and graphic artist.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
You're kidding, right? Hahahahahahaha!
Hmmm...how about an epitaph instead?
Here lies RJ Clarken
She penned a fun poetry collection.
Let's hope the senior editor in the sky
won't send her a letter of rejection.
Randi Clarken the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When I got my first ‘real' rejection letter.
Okay...truthfully, I think I always thought of myself as a writer, but it wasn't until much later in my life that I really made a commitment to it, joining a critique group, attending conferences and lectures and classes and trying to write at least something every day. This was probably around the time my kidlets were born.
Not that long afterwards, I actually got paid by a literary journal for a short fictional piece I wrote. It wasn't a lot of money, but it was REAL.
And later on, getting some awards for my poetry didn't hurt my ego either!
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm working on the pre-press end of things for Mugging for the Camera, a collection of humorous, off-beat, quirky poetry. It'll be out later this year. Also, I'm working on a MG/YA fantasy series, a MG novella, several picture books, and a collection of rhyming anthropomorphics (something ‘they' apparently say one shouldn't do!) I also may start another blog.
And...I've also written a couple of children's pieces with my kids. It was a lot of fun - ‘cause they're so creative! I'd love to do more of that, too.
And...for the second year in a row, I am the editor of Goldfinch, the literary magazine for Women Who Write, which is a not-for-profit statewide collective of women writers in New Jersey. I get to read first-hand some amazing work by some extraordinarily talented writers.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
To be rich and famous. Isn't that what everyone wants?
Uh huh. Yeah, right.
Really, I would just love to make my living from writing fiction for kids and also from writing poetry. And I'd love for people who read my work to say that I put a smile on their faces or made them laugh.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
Truthfully, there is no typical day. Some days I can accomplish a lot and some days, I'm just trying to squeeze it in wherever I can. No method whatsoever to the madness. But I don't beat myself up about it either. Just go with the flow - and carry a big mop.
13. Why do you write?
It's something I feel compelled to do. It always has been, and I guess it always will be. It fills something within me. Kind of like chocolate cake, y'know?
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
For poetry, I love Ogden Nash, Dorothy Parker, Wendy Cope and Paul Muldoon, for starters. I love their cleverness and humor and the showmanship with their command of the English language. Brilliant!
For fiction, I adore JK Rowling because she proved that anything is possible - and she got kids to read.
The books that influenced me when I was a child were Harriet the Spy (of course!) plus The Funny Guy, The Ghost of Dibble Hollow and Katie John because they all were very character-driven and I'm still, to this day, drawn to character-driven books. It's probably why I love Martha Grimes so much. Her stories may be the murder mystery kind, but you just have to fall in love with her characters!
15. How do you define your writing?
Oh goodness! This is a running joke with my writing group, family - and just about anyone else who knows me. I write like I talk. My fiction is way too wordy, so I really need my writing critique group to beat me into submission (literally!) I started writing poetry - and particularly the kind which employs poetic form - , because the constraints forced me to be succinct and to the point, while still being able to say what I needed to say. My poetry is usually funny or clever, although there is another side to me that's more serious, but it doesn't get to escape too often.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
She made me smile.
Randi Clarken the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
I used to write a blog, but I haven't done much on it in a while. Once I finish the pre-press work on Mugging for the Camera, I will probably start a blog or website again.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
The grocery store.
Just kidding.
Actually, that's something which is currently in the works.
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Well, since none of my books are published [yet] you can find some of my stuff at Sol Magazine, AsininePoetry and Trellis Magazine. These are all literary e-zines.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
What can readers expect? Umm...the unexpected? Seriously...
Poetry? Mostly quirky, offbeat, clever and humorous.
and
My kids' books? That they were a good story, and the reader got something out of it.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
With all the negative news events happening in the world today, sometimes you just need to laugh. From the little giggles and chuckles to full blown guffaws and snorts! And everything in between.
It doesn't necessarily mean you think about the issues any less or that you don't have strong opinions on any number of subjects. (I know that I do.)
It's all important.
But you know, if folks agree with you, you're singin' to the choir, so to speak. And if they don't agree with you, you're generally not about to convince them any more than they can convince you. That's life.
So what do you do?
Well...
...for one thing, on the whole, it's not such a bad thing - but I think life is too short to stay angry or even sad for any real length of time, and while you can take your life's work seriously, you shouldn't always take yourself too seriously. Sometimes, you can, but not always.
I think if everyone had a good dose of the tee-hees each day, it would go a long way in making things better.
Now I know that might sound naïve and Pollyanna-ish, but the truth is, for myself, I believe I've led something of a charmed life. (Knock wood that the trend continues!) I know that part of it is a bit of good luck - but I also know the rest is the way I look at things. It's probably why most of my poetry is not angsty or emo. I go for the laughs.
And in the end, it's how I want to go, too.
Leave ‘em laughing - and wanting more.
Mark Miller the person:
Spirituality – Non-judgmental - Guileless
Disciplined – Hard-working – A serious Christian
At 70 there is little passion left, but when I was younger there is no question it would be high level rock climbing and surfing.
Not anymore. When younger I always had a cat. I particularly have fond memories for two Manx (John-John), a Burmese (Mish-Mish), and an American Tabby.
Birth of my 4 children. First time I saw my future wife in the 9th grade.
Can't remember!!!!!!!!
Medical missionary
At 70 with that "undiscovered country" on the horizon I pray my life turns out to be wholly devoted to my Master Jesus the Nazarene. I have worked hard to bring the words and history of Jesus to thousands of people.
Before my birth September 24, 1938 in the Norfolk, Virginia naval yard my mother June prayed that I would become a minister or teacher. I have my mother – and The God – to thank that such a humble prayer came true. Throughout my life I have had a strong spiritual bent and a particular love of the Bible. This manifest itself first in Hemet, California’s First Baptist Church when I finished my first reading of the King James Bible, followed by baptism. The next 50+ years have been marked by experience with scores of different sects, including Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists [my great-great grandfather William Miller being a founding father], Methodists, Nazarene Church, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses [my great-great grandfather William Miller being a founding father]. This included my five years of seminary education and ordination recognized by the County of Riverside’s draft board in 1960. In brief the love of the Bible and constant study, mediation and research followed appointments as assistant pastors in a dozen churches and senior pastor in another ten. This included 20 years of missionary work in the U. S., The Bahamas, The Netherlands, and Spain. I then became a seminarian instructor, writer and photographer and research consultant for the largest publisher of Bible literature in the world. I avoid sectarianism and consider myself non-sectarian. I believe I find myself in the field of the Master in which grow both wheat and tares. [Matt 13] Like Martin Luther in the late 80s I began to realize "my church was wrong." In 1980 I suffered a catastrophic and traumatic auto wreck. Several times over the following year I came near to death and in fact "flat-lined" as a Code Blue following radical surgery to my spine. Laid up in a hospital bed for almost two years I renewed deep research in the spiritual depths of the Bible. How many times and how many scores of different versions of the Bible I read I cannot comprehend. No one would believe it – 25, 50, 100. I became familiar with Greek and Hebrew. Finally, in the mid-90s I made a break that destroyed my marriage and family as I was viewed as an apostate. I determined to create a fresh version of the New Testament, at first designed for computer use on the Internet, and now – thanks to answered prayers – Living Waters a hard copy version is being made available. The total of my work between 1996-2000 are available on the Internet. THE FUTURE: as an arthritic cripple in a 70-year old failing body "the wasting away of the outer man" is speeding up. I thank God that I was able to finish my work and realize my goals. Now full of deep conviction I await the Return of our Nazarene Master in the spirit of the closing words of Revelation: "Come, Lord Jesus!" [MHM]
Birth Place: Norfolk, VA USA
Accomplishments: Two scholarships in swimming and writing.
Registed life guard and life saving instructor.
Ordained minister.
Semanrian professor.
Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
11. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
Lately I spend so much time in doctors offices and hospital tests it leaves me little time. I am converting old mss to CD format and my 22 year old grand daughter Ashley Miller is helping with this. Perhaps something will be finished in 2008.
12. Why do you write?
I cannot do it.
13. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Ernest Hemingway --- his style.
14. How do you define your writing?
If people read my work in 50 years I would think it could be viewed as "literature".
Mark Miller the details:
16. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
17. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
18. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
19. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
A non-sectarian commentary on the New Testament without bias.
In conclusion:
20. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Quixotic, nonconformist, and creative J
2. How do you think others would describe you?
I'm a private person who tends to keep most others at a distance. I'm slow to trust but once someone earns that trust, I'm loyal to a fault. I'm the person you can call at four in the morning because you're locked out of your car, the friend who will take you in when you have no place else to go, the one who always listens to your problems J
But because it takes me so long to let others "in," I tend to take any sort of back-stabbing or perceived betrayal very personally, so much so that I find it hard to forgive someone I think has done me wrong.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Wait, you mean there's more to life than writing? J I love reading, music (especially pop and hard rock), movies, video games ... I'm a big Legend of Zelda fanatic. But writing is my first passion.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
I have two cats that mean the world to me. I've had them since they were 3 months old; they're from the same litter and grew up together, but they're different as night and day. This year they turn 12. Jelly is a black & white "tuxedo" cat with long hair who loves people and so personable - he's like a dog in cat's clothes. Jono is a gray short hair who hides from everyone but me and loves to sleep on my bed, right beside my pillow, every night. They're spoiled rotten J but I wouldn't have it any other way!
5. What is your most precious memory?
To be completely honest, I don't know. I'm not given to much introspection, I guess - that comes out in my writing, and my stories contain scenes from my own life from time to time. Nothing really stands out; I try to savor each moment as it happens, and cherish the time I have with those near me. J
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
I don't really get embarrassed. I haven't decided if it's because I'm confident enough in myself to laugh at the stupid things I sometimes do, or if it's because I'm just too spaced out to realize when I've made a faux pas.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I've always wanted to write - it defines who I am, and is cheaper than therapy J I could never imagine a life without writing. Even when I thought I wanted to go into a medical field, I still planned to write in my free time. I never thought of writing as "work." It's my downtime, a way to dream out loud, a way to keep my sanity in a crazy, stressful world!
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Well, hmm ... this is a difficult task. I'd like to think I die in some spectacular way that adds an interesting footnote to the story of my life, but I have a feeling that won't be the case. Still, I would hope that my obit would at least link to my website (how vain of me!), and I'll have provisions in my will to ensure the continuation of that site for quite some time to come. Nothing like a little post-death promotion, eh? Though the 100 books is stretching it ... or rather, I'm just being optimistic J
The obit should probably read something along these lines: "J.M. Snyder passed away today. An author of gay erotic/romantic fiction whose career began in self-publishing in 2002, Snyder was known for writing realistic characters who were unashamed of their sexuality. Snyder left over 100 books in print and provided for the continued maintenance of jmsnyder.net for years to come."
J. M. Snyder the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
The first time I held my self-published novel, Operation Starseed, in my hands, I felt like a "real" author. I had tangible proof of my ability to write.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm busy, as usual J Currently I'm working on an untitled novella about a police detective who falls for a street hustler, which is something a little different for me. I have deadlines clear through August, a novella (or two) due each month for the first half of this year, and after that, I don't know yet what I'll be working on. I have two e-book short story series that are published monthly and anticipate those running through the end of the year. After that, the sky's the limit.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
My short term goals are to meet the deadlines I set for myself (a novella a month until August 2008). I would also like to self-publish again; I have three poetry books and a short story collection in mind. And I would like to begin a second series featuring my "superhero" characters, Vic Braunson and Matt diLorenzo (who currently star in my series, The Powers of Love and The Positions of Love).
My long term goal is to write full-time. Ditch the day job and just spend my days working on my stories. As I live alone, this will be harder to realize, but I'm aiming for it. I hope to be moving toward that goal in the next five years or so.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
As I work full-time, I have to write whenever I get a chance. On weekdays, I wake up at 6 AM every morning to write for two hours before I have to go to work, and I try to get at least another hour or so in after I get home in the evenings. On weekends, I tend to write in the afternoon and go into the night if I can.
13. Why do you write?
I write because if I didn't, I would die. It's therapeutic for me; it keeps me sane, and empties my overcrowded mind of the stories and dreams inside me. I live to write. It's like breathing, to me - that essential, that necessary.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Though we write completely different genres, I'd have to say that Stephen King inspires me the most. He was the first author I could remember falling in love with, and I devoured everything I could find of his. The way he crafts a story, the slow build-up of scene and tension, his descriptions, his characterizations ... I find myself enjoying that same stylistic approach to storytelling in my own writing. I love well-defined characters, rich inner dialog, vivid descriptions, all of which I see in his stories. I hope readers think of my stories in a similar light.
15. How do you define your writing?
My writing is gay fiction, first and foremost. The stories are about gay men and the ways their lives intersect with others. Yes, the stories revolve around relationships, and yes, there is sex involved, but those are secondary to the plot and characterization. It took quite a while before I called it "romance," and my longer stories, though graphic in language and sex, don't quite fall into what most e-publishers consider "erotica." I like to be true to the characters and let them tell their stories, and try not to force them into a categorical genre beyond that.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
If people are even talking about my writing in fifty years, I'll be happy! Seriously though, I'd like them to say that my stories rang true, not just the semantics (such as dialog and characterization) but the snapshot of human experience and emotions captured in my words.
J. M. Snyder the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
My website is at http://jmsnyder.net/. I have a blog online at http://jmsnyder.com/. And my superhero characters have a site of their own at http://www.vic-and-matt.com/.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
I have a Yahoo! Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmsnyder/, and can always be reached via e-mail at jms@jmsnyder.net.
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Wow, that's quite a request. I've been publishing since 2002, and began writing e-books in 2006. My most current list of titles includes:
Operation Starseed
Scarred: Four Novellas (the novellas are sold as separate e-books: Scarred, His Song, Windows, and VR Palace)
Power Play
Vince
Bones of the Sea (short story collection, not gay fiction)
It's All Relative
Shorts (short story collection, gay fiction)
Trin
Creatures of the Night, Creatures of Delight (anthology)
Just What the Doctor Ordered
"Henry and Jim"
Stepping Up to the Plate
Babes in Toyland (anthology)
Between Brothers
Cupid's Arrow (anthology)
"Caught Off Base"
Country Boys (anthology)
Persistence of Memory
"On the Down Low"
The Powers of Love
Under a Confederate Moon
War Torn
Matching Tats
Working Man Book 1: Opening Day at the County Fair
"World Enough and Time"
My First Time, Volume 5 (anthology)
Best Gay Love Stories: Summer Flings (anthology)
Beneath a Yankee Sky
Working Man Book 2: Summer Kisses and Ice Cream Dreams
Crushed
Best Gay Romance 2008 (anthology)
Working Man Book 3: Easily Addicted
Undertow
No Apologies
Working Man Book 4: Makin' Copies
The Positions of Love Book 1: The Positions of Love
"Afflicted"
Working Man Book 5: Pleasure Cruise
The Positions of Love Book 2: Two Pillars Position
The Bonds of Love
Coming soon (contracted e-books):
Working Man Book 6: On the Job (March 2008)
The Positions of Love Book 3: Clasping Position (March 2008)
The Regent's Knight (March 2008)
Working Man Books 7 through 16 (monthly series)
The Positions of Love Books 4 through 12 (monthly series)
Conflict of Interest (April 2008)
With This Ring (May 2008)
"Hooking Up" in Boys in Heat (anthology; June 2008)
"Shut Up and Drive" in The Queer Collection (anthology; June 2008)
Wanted (September 2008)
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
I write gay fiction. I don't consider it M/M, which in my opinion is much more erotic or romantic than my fiction, and written specifically for women readers. Though 90% of e-book readers are female, I like to think my stories appeal to gay men just as much as they appeal to straight women.
I write fiction about men who fall in love with each other, yes, but if you're just looking for smut, you'll probably be a little disappointed because I don't overdo the sex. Some say I don't write enough, but the relationship isn't the main impetus in the story for me. The characters and plot come first; the sex and love follow logically from the interactions and the storyline.
My stories aren't "stroke books" or highly explicit, which disappoints more than a few people, I'm sure. Still, I like to think I can tell a good story J with or without the sex.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
I know that M/M fiction is all the rage at the moment, but I've been writing homoerotic fiction for over 10 years now. My stories embrace a love that transcends gender, and my characters have a sincerity and unabashedly positive view of their own sexuality. My writing celebrates gay romance - I don't write "just sex;" I never have, and never will. Each story I write has within it the potential for a happy ending in which the characters find the one true love I believe is out there for each of them.
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Compassionate
Sweet
Loving
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Very outgoing :0)
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
My children and my husband
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
We have two miniature dachshunds named Emily and Megan
5. What is your most precious memory?
When we took our little boys to Disney world for the fist time.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
Way too many to recall. :0)
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I am also the Dean at a High School. So I guess I would just do that job.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Here lies Tara Greenbaum. She had a BLAST with her life. Have a glass of red wine, share an "I remember when Tara did this. . . story, and salute.
Tara Greenbaum the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When I watched a movie, then turned to my husband and said "that plot had holes the size of the sun."
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm on my second round of edits for a book that comes out March 24th.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
Hopefully I can just keep selling my books.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I get the kids to school by 8:15. I come home and write until 2:15. Then after dinner, homework and sports, I get back on the computer until midnight.
13. Why do you write?
I enjoy weaving stories. :0)
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Jane Austen
I just love feel good books set in historical times.
15. How do you define your writing?
Light hearted and hopefully humorous.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
I would love them to say that one on my books left them with a smile.
Tara Greenbaum the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
Oh sure:
Web site: TaraGreenbaum.com
MySpace: MySpace.com/TaraGreenbaum
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
E-mail me! I would LOVE to hear from you. Tara@TaraGreenbaum.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Lord Kilmore
Traffic Jam
Lilies and Lies (coming March 24th)
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Well I hope you get a chuckle and it leaves you with a smile.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
I will leave it up to you. E-mail me and I will happily answer any questions you have. :0) I look forward to hearing from you.
Tara
xoxo