1.   What three words do you think describe you as a human being? 

quiet, conservative,  curious

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

I have no clue!

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

My kids, my DH, and my cat

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

I have a four year old, rotten spoiled Russian Blue cat named (very un-originally) Mr. Blue. He likes to leap up on my computer and stare at the screen, that is when he's not curled up sleeping in the middle of my bed.

When he's looking for excitement, he hides, and from the expression on his face when we find him, I think he gets a high from watching the entire household looking to make sure he hasn't sneaked out of the house.

He loves us, hates the vet and his groomer...and he's added another exciting dimension to our lives.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Seeing my baby boy born...and watching him grow to a young man I'm very proud of.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Hmmm. I've done a lot of things I wish I hadn't, such as yelling too loudly at my kids' swim meets and embarrassing them half to death.

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

I probably would be slogging along as a homemaker or back in the working world where I was a health care financial manager before "retiring" to raise my two youngest kids.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Hey, no. This is one thing I'll never have to do, so I'll leave this duty to the loved ones I will eventually leave behind. (I hope they'll be kind!)

Ann Jacobs the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I realized I was a "real" writer when I received my first "real" money for one of my books.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm busily finishing and promoting my HEART OF THE WEST series for Ellora's Cave, and planning several other projects including a long delayed prequel to GATES OF HELL and another story or two in the LORDS OF PLEASURE series. Oh, yeah, I'm also rewriting one of my old NY books and planning another BDSM contemporary series I hope readers will enjoy.

I'm looking forward to visiting with readers at the RT convention in Pittsburgh and at Lori Foster's get-together in Cincinnati.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

I want to produce 30000 words a week this year, after going through a long period of being sidelined with some pesky injuries that took forever to heal and played havoc with my muse..

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I get up at sixish and put in about two hours on the computer before taking a break for food and some hot raspberry tea. Back to computer. Check email then work on book again until I get hungry or have to take somebody in the family to an appointment or go get food or other things we're always seeming to run out of. (I may grab something to munch on while I'm out and about.) Then, depending on how long the errands take, I may put in another hour or two before and after dinner, and/or relax with the family before an early bedtime.


13.  Why do you write?

Writing is the way I indulge my curiosity, give life to my fantasies, and relieve the stress of everyday life. It doesn't hurt that the income from selling my stories relieves some of the stress created on my pocketbook by children who keep pursuing ever higher educational goals!

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I'd be hard-pressed to name just one. Joey W. Hill, my critique partner, writes the most fluid, inspiring prose I've ever seen in commercial fiction. Angela Knight spins tales of Alpha heroes and incredible action scenes-and she writes hot sex that feels as though it's coming right out of the characters' heads and hearts. Kate Douglas writes out-of-this-world tales about shapeshifters that blow my mind. I could go on all night, but I can't think of a single book I've read that didn't inspire me in one way or the other.

15.  How do you define your writing?

I write erotic romances in several subgenres, my favorite being contemporary with light BDSM elements. For a change of pace, I occasionally do a medieval historical or what I call "early futuristic" where the characters are basically like contemporary humans. My vampire series, d'Argent Honor, features the vampire heroes and heroine set in  American cities of the present day.

Ann Jacobs the Details

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

I'd like for readers to say my books are compelling, emotionally fulfilling and sexually provocative.

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

http://www.annjacobs.net/, http://myspace.com/authorannjacobs, http://myspace.com/dargentvampires, http://myspace.com/annjacobs_hotw,  (I have myspace pages for two of my serieses as well as the all-purpose ones. You can get to my very inactive blog by clicking over from my website.

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

ann@annjacobs.net

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

PRINTABLE BOOK LIST, current as of 4/11/07

Print books, available from your favorite booksellers or from Ellora's Cave:

All Wrapped Up anthology

A Mutual Favor

Black Gold: Another Love

Black Gold: Firestorm

Black Gold: Mystic Visions (Zayed's Gift)

Black Gold: Sandstorms (Love Slave, Forever Enslaved, Entrapped)

Bound by Love (Tip of the Iceberg, Wrong Place, Wrong Time?)

d'Argent Honor 2: Eternally His

d'Argent Honor: Full Circle (Vampire Justice, Eternal Surrender, Eternal Victory)*

Haunted

Lawyers in Love: Enchained (Mastered)

Lawyers in Love: The Defenders (In His Own Defense, Bittersweet Homecoming)

Lawyers in Love: The Prosecutors (Gettin' It On, Eye of the Storm)

Lords of Pleasure (He Calls Her Jasmine, A Gift of Gold)

Luna Ten Chronicles (Luna Ten and Obsidion series of ebooks)

Secrets 3 ("The Barbarian")

E-Books, available from Ellora's Cave, Red Sage or Changeling Press:

A Gift of Gold

A Mutual Favor

Another Love

Awakenings

Bittersweet Homecoming

Branded

Captured (anthology)

Colors of Love

Colors of Magic

Dallas Heat

Dark Side of the Moon

Enchained (anthology)

Eternally His

Eternal Surrender)

Eternal Victory

Firestorm

Forever Enslaved

Gates of Hell

Gettin' It On

Haunted

Hearts & Handcuffs

He Calls Her Jasmine

Hitched (release date 3/5/08)

In His Own Defense

Lassoed (release date 4/11/08)

Love Magic

Love Slave

Luna Ten Chronicles

Mystic Visions (anthology)

Obsidion Chronicles

O Positive

Out of Bounds

Roped

Rx for Pleasure

Rx for Submission

Rx for a Dom

Storm Warnings (anthology)

The Barbarian

Tip of the Iceberg

Vampire Justice

Wrong Place, Wrong Time?

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

A hero to die for...a love story full of deep emotion as well as sizzling sex, usually with elements of Dominance and submission in the relationship

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?

Your questions are pretty thorough. I'm a middle-aged, conservative woman who has become drawn in to the concept of sexual pleasure for one's partner through domination or submission. I love to hear from readers. Write me, ann@annjacobs.net , and I'll be sure to answer.

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Wednesday, 19 March 2008 12:55 AM EDT

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1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Imaginative, witty, driven.

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

Imaginative, witty, annoyingly-driven!

3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

That has to be my family, my husband and two teenage sons.  Both I and my husband come from small families so we're all the more wrapped up in each other's business.  Our house is Chaos City most of the time, and full of complete rubbish, though so much of it has memories of places we've been, things we've all done, that we can't bear to throw anything out! That's when you can specifically find anything, that is...

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

I don't mind animals at all, but I've never really wanted to own any of my own. I have goldfish and they're not the most interesting of pets, I must confess! The most dramatic thing that ever happened was with one of our first ones, called Lucky by my younger son.  Within the first week of life in its new tank in our lounge, it leapt out of the top and died on the carpet! Should have called it Unlucky, he said, with all seriousness.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Difficult to choose one, I must say.  On a family level, it'd be the birth of my first son, a golden time.  On a personal level, there's a ‘greatest hits' list of them, from meeting my husband when we were teenagers, qualifying as an accountant, winning a minor sports trophy at University, watching the boys in school plays, singing (just the once!) with a live jazz band, to getting published...

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Argh... so many!  The most recent was at work where I answered the phone to a new customer, needed to take down their details, and asked in my brightest ‘customer service' voice if they were a Miss or Mrs.  Deathly silence, then they explained they were a man.  I don't think I completed the sale ^__^

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

I expect I'd be what I still am now, an accountant / mother / wife / chauffeur to the sons / Japanese pencilboard art collector / very poor cook etc

Seriously, I enjoy the commercial side of accountancy, and having a ‘trade' has allowed me to work in all kinds of industries. I'm senior enough now to be able to relax a bit on the technical side and try to bring some flair to a job that's traditionally seen as deathly boring. And of course, it keeps us in food and board!  So I'd be happy enough if I weren't a writer - but maybe not as imaginative!

8.   In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

If Clare had been writing this obituary herself, she'd have spent hours of anguish over the right adjective to use, and eventually described herself as nothing but the cabaret in life. And she wouldn't have minded that role.  But underneath that was a fierce, confused melting pot of desire and drama and devotion and doggedness, wanting things to be right and fair, occasionally despairing in human nature at the same time as finding delight in the smallest gestures of it.  And too much alliteration.  And relentless self-editing.  And the need to find humor in everything.

That was a little spooky - but it was enlightening for me!

Clare London the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I had to be formally published before I felt that.  When my first short story was chosen for a local anthology, I saw my name in print and that was the first buzz.  When I first got enthusiastic feedback for my fanfiction, I felt my writing was getting better.  Then when I finally had a book cover with my name on and published stories inside it - I could say I was ‘an author'!!

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm thrilled about the release of The Gold Warrior at Dreamspinner Press, and I'm just finishing off the sequel to it for publication later in the year. It'll be called The Twisted Brand.  I really enjoy immersing myself in the lives of Maen and Dax, and a second book has let me delve further into their characters and their story.  There'll be more battles, more warriors and Mistresses, more about their illicit but passionate love affair, more deception and desire and dastardly deeds - what more can we want? But seriously, I'm also keen to release some more contemporary fiction in 2008, I'm hoping some more of my work in that field will be accepted.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

Over the next couple of years, I'd like to build a reputation with readers for reliably good, entertaining, enthralling fiction.  I want to spend more time on my writing, to improve on my particular weak spots, and to work all the ideas I have into quality fiction.

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

No such thing!  A usual day is a few snatched hours around the working day, particularly in the evening when the rest of the family are occupied.  An ideal day is when I have the time to myself - I had some time like this at Christmas when I ‘hid' away in my sister's house while she was on holiday! - and then I can set up with the coffee and snacks I need, a comfortable position at the keyboard, and let the Muse have free rein.

13.  Why do you write?

Because the words ask me to!  *lol*  

I write to express the thoughts and scenes in my imagination, and to share them with others.  I write because I love words and language and dialogue, and because I like the feeling of situations taking shape with my characters.  I write because I like to read, and the more the better!

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

That's an impossible question for one single writer - I read many, according to what mood I'm in and also what type of fiction I'm writing myself.  I love tightly written thrillers, I like character-driven novels, I admire any writer who can make me care about the hero/heroine and who makes me remember scenes and emotions long after the last page.

15.  How do you define your writing?

As entertainment - as communication - as sharing.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

That they enjoyed it - and still do!

Clare London the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

My website is http://darkpearldiva.com/
My blog is http://claredivatoo.livejournal.com/

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Mail me on clarelondon11@yahoo.co.uk or clarelondon11@hotmail.com.

I'm on MySpace too, www.myspace.com/clarelondon
and Authorsden, www.authorsden.com/clarelondon

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Gladly!

At Dreamspinner Press (http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/) :

The Gold Warrior (novel)

Special Offer (short story in the Mr Right Now Anthology)
Ghost of Christmas yet to Come (Short story)

At Eternal Press (http://www.eternalpress.com.au/) :

Masquerade (anthology of my short stories)

Secret Santa (short story)

Just Like Scrooge (short story)

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

I want to excite them, to engage their emotions, to introduce them to my characters, to include them in the unfolding story, to make them laugh and love and lust - and want to read more!  ^__^

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'd like them to know that I care a great deal about fiction and producing good quality, exciting work - but that I want it to be fun for both writer and reader, as well.  That I don't necessarily think plots and character have to be emotionally ‘black' or ‘white' - and that writing should reflect the complexity and mystery and contradiction of life, as well as its drama and romance.

I'd like them to find my work enjoyable and to feel it was good value, too.

Oh, and that I'm not as pretentious as I sometimes sound! *lol*

Thanks for the opportunity to chat!

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 18 March 2008 2:14 AM EDT

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1.      What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Educated. I've got two degrees and ten years of writing and editing experience... that's on top of a lifetime of working to get my imagination down on paper. Creative. I love reading, writing, imagining, music, art, crafts, graphic design ... the list goes on. Pragmatic. Although at odds with my flights of fancy, this is the me the outside world sees: Mature, responsible, level-headed, pragmatic. I have to find that balance!

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

Responsible. Imaginative. Skilled. Helpful. Supportive.

3.  Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Disney World!

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Nikita is my baby girl. She's a black pug, and she'll be eight on June 1, 2008. She's actually small for a pug, not really pudgy at all at about 19 pounds. She's a lap pup, and just my speed. She snores when she breathes, even when awake, but I'm so used to it I can't sleep at night away from home when it's really quiet. Her favorite toy is a chew bone. Her favorite food is cheese. Magnum is his Dada's boy. He's a Boston terrier - a Viking terrier! - and he'll be eight years old on June 30, 2008. He is big for a Boston, 30 pounds, and all muscle! You should see him drag me around the court. He's all action, run and thud. His favorite toy is a tennis ball. His favorite food is broccoli.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

My husband coming home to me after he was injured in a truck accident.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

When I was a kid, I went roller skating and split my pants - but I didn't know it and kept on skating!

7.      If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

I honestly have no clue. I've always been a writer. I guess I'd be working in a book store somewhere.

8.  In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Madeleine Urban, 80, of Kentucky, died happy March 1, 2055, at the Challenger Resort at LunarDisney on Earth's moon after having far too much fun with life. Survivors include a highly supportive and still kicking husband, two immortal loving dogs, a semi-conservative family (they think Madeleine was secretly adopted), and a host of crazy-ass co-authors and friends. She was a longtime journalist (by accident), writer (from birth), and editor (because she was good it) who was published uncounted times in newspapers (for work), magazines (for education), short fiction anthologies (for luck), and novels (for God's sake, hasn't she been published enough after 50 years?), and she really could have cared less about being "professional."

She had also been a high school teacher (six months and never again, those people should be sainted), a convention organizer (science fiction and fantasy conventions rock!), a musician (it's in my blood), and an animal lover. There will be a proper Irish wake in four time zones, check Madeleine's Web site at http://madeleineurban.livejournal.com for details and directions. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Earth Cancer Society or feedback at her blog. 

Madeline Urban the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I'd been managing editor at a weekly newspaper for almost a year when the state press association awards came out. I'd been working my ass off at the paper to turn it around, and we entered all the categories. Not only did my paper win, but I won 17 awards, nine of which were for writing. You probably thought I was going to say when my first book was published, huh. No, not really. That was certainly satisfying, but I already knew I could write at that point. As for being a "real" fiction writer, the closest would be when I posted an odd little fan fiction story that mixed some genres and didn't have any sex in it. None. One kiss. I posted it, figuring maybe five people would read it. Instead, people went absolutely crazy. They read it, they recommended it to friends, they posted on blogs about it and people kept coming and reading and leaving me compliments and I about keel over in a heart attack. So I figure, after that, I'm not too shabby a fiction writer.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm actually editing more than writing right now. I've got two books in revisions for publication, and two more to consider to submit for publication. I'm still writing a little fan fiction, just to keep my hand in. I'm feeling the niggle, though. I'll be writing something new (and hopefully fabulous) any time now.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

To enjoy it. It's great if it sells, and even greater if people enjoy it. But I want to enjoy writing it and expanding my imagination. The day it becomes work is the day I go back to fan fiction.

12.   Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

Wake up, shower, breakfast (read something for inspiration), e-mail, music, write. Lunch (read something for inspiration), e-mail, music, write. Dinner (read something for inspiration), e-mail, music, write. That's about it. No magic formula, no real routine. I just sit down and do it. I suppose I'm different in that I rarely plan out a story. It just doesn't work for me that way. Some of my co-authors will do that for us, but I generally just go along with what comes out of my head spur of the moment. That's how Abigail and I write our original fiction, we just get with an idea and start writing and see where it goes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But with a co-author I'm much more motivated to stay with it, and it's much more likely to be novel length. Once we get going we'll start planning, expanding, revising, etc. It's much harder for me alone. I work best if I find music to carry me along. It's critical for me. Ideas come mostly from music, but also from things I see and read around me. After a lifetime in sci fi and fantasy, I have a hell of an imagination. Usually I'll write straight from beginning to end. Only occasionally will I skip ahead and write a scene, usually if it's SO real in my head that I have to get it out before I can do anything else.

13.  Why do you write?

I guess you could say I'm driven to write. To keep my head cleaned out. So often, it's not me doing the writing, it's the character in my head, or the situation writing itself. I'm just the tool.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Besides dear, close friends who would barbecue me if I listed their names here, there's a lady I know by the name of Raven. She's incredibly creative, and I love to read her stories and be transported out of this world. I come away wanting to be creative. She's also a friend, and she's challenged me to write several times. It helps!

15.  How do you define your writing?

I don't. I can't. It's never the same twice, in my opinion. I guess erotic romance is the catch all.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

I was entertained.

Madeline Urban the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

My professional blog is at http://madeleineurban.livejournal.com . If you want to know about how I started writing and progressed to where I am now, you can read my fandomography, hosted at my personal blog: http://sileya.livejournal.com/119194.html.  I keep track of it because I want to know where I've come from, what I've done and not done, what I liked and didn't, basically, what made me what I am now, as an author.

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

mrs.madeleine.urban@gmail.com  or  madeleineurban@livejournal.com  or http://www.authorsden.com/madeleineurban  or even through my publisher, http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

 All available from http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Far From Home by Madeleine Urban

Caught Running by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux

Bittersweet by Madeleine Urban (short story) in Death Beyond Desire anthology

The Proposition by Madeleine Urban and Rhianne Aile (novella) in Mr. Right Now anthology

Short stories: Bargaining, Be My Valentine, How It Should Be, and Through the Garden (all with Rhianne Aile), and Room to Run, available for purchase and download at http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

Characters who are alive and real, despite fantasy settings. Emotional investment. Entertainment.

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?

Honestly, I don't write to make money. I don't write for other people. I write for myself, what appeals to me, what I find sexy, what I need to get out of my head. If other people read it and enjoy it, that's icing on the cake. Sure, I'm glad people like my writing. I'm very flattered, and I'm very humbled. But when it all comes down to the bottom line, I write because it's who I am. I write what I write because I enjoy it. I don't feel like there's a trick to it. It just is, and it can't be forced. I guess that makes me uneven as a writer, because I can't (and won't) consistently produce. I will never be a "professional" writer - a full-time writer. It just isn't in me. The muses don't work that way. For all of you who have muses - I hope you have better luck corralling yours than I do! It's always a challenge.

Posted by joyceanthony at 1:12 AM EDT

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1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

1)     Die-hard

2)     Cubs

3)     fan

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

1)     Delusional

2)     Obsessive

3)     Irrational

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

 See answer to Question 1 for a clue. Hint: It's not the White Sox, Mets or  Cardinals.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

One Siamese cat, Camus (pronounced Cah-moo), named after the French existentialist, Albert Camus. Explanation: We had a Name the Cat Party and the winning name was Smelly Cat. Since we didn't want him to have a complex, we invalidated the first choice and went with the second, which was Camus.

5.  What is your most precious memory?
 

The evening of October 14, 1993, when the Cubs were five outs away from going to the World Series for the first time in my lifetime. There's a photo of me taken at that game and I look happier than I've ever looked before in a photo. That was immediately followed by my least precious memory, when an overzealous fan reached for a pop-up that Moises Alou never got the chance to catch.

In reality, the most precious memory was the morning of June 4, 2003, when my son, Tyler, made his entrance into my world.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

When I piddled in my pants and onto the floor of Mrs. Schmidt's first grade classroom.

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Hawking peanuts at Cubs games.
 

8.  In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Wanted just one thing. Never got it. But just wait till next life. Go Cubs!

Randy Richardson the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

For the longest time, I denied that I was a writer. My father writes about agriculture and when I was a kid, he'd take me to his office and it looked like the most boring job in the world. I wanted to be anything other than what my father was, which probably explains how I ended up starting college in aviation school, learning how to be a pilot. That career never really got off the ground, however, and I stumbled my way into journalism. I first began to "really" write as a newspaper reporter but I didn't think of myself as a "real" writer until many years later when I was a lawyer and started staying up late tapping on the keyboards writing this novel that was in my head and kept knocking to get out.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm working on a second novel, which is a departure from my first. It's a tragic-comic coming-of-age road story about two teen-age boys whose friendship is tested after the suicide of one of their friends. They blow off high school graduation to go on a roadtrip in Southwest Wisconsin, and on that trip something happens that forever alters their lives.

I've also recently written an essay for the Lovable Losers Literary Revue (www.lovablelosersliteraryrevue.com), a series that celebrates/mourns the 100^th anniversary of the Cubs' last World Series championship, and I continue to write essays about parenthood. 

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

My only real goal for my writing is to keep getting better at it. Writing is a lot like life in general. It is always a challenge and is something that is nearly impossible to perfect, but that is what appeals to me about it.

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I'm afraid an honest answer here would put your readers to sleep. Like many writers, I'm a procrastinator and will find anything to do (rearranging the sock drawer, for instance) other than writing. I wrote a humor piece about this for Absolute Write. The link is: http://www.absolutewrite.com/fun/cork.htm

13.  Why do you write?

I honestly don't know the answer to this question. It's something that is in me and is always fighting to get out.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

That's an easy one. Ernest Hemingway. He was, like me, a journalist, then a novelist. But no one I know of was able to say so much with so few words. He never wasted a word. 

15.  How do you define your writing?

 My writing def.: A long, winding road to get to one place.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

His writing made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think.

Randy Richardson the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

www.lostintheivy.com

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

 There's an email contact through my website. I'd love to hear from anyone who'd like to discuss more about writing or the Cubs.

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

 "Lost in the Ivy," a murder mystery set against the backdrop of Wrigley Field, is my only book and it is available through all major online retailers or by requesting  it from your local bookstore.

I've also got two essays in the upcoming "Chicken Soup for the Father and Son Soul," as well as an essay in "Humor for the Boomer's Heart," due out in October.

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

They'll find a lot of me in my books and essays, which I guess means that they'll  find a little bit of humor and a lot of hope and heart.

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?

 In addition to being a husband, a father, a lawyer, a journalist, and an author, I am  the president of the Chicago Writers Association (www.chicagowrites.org ), a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the 4 C's of writing: creativity, commerce, craft, and community. CWA strives to:

• Foster a visible, supportive writing community.
• Provide genuine, constructive feedback and access to resources.
• Assist writers at all levels achieve their writing goals.
• Build a bridge to unite all facets of Chicago's diverse literary culture.
• Promote Chicago as a place of literary distinction.

  I invite all writers to check out our website and see what we're all about.

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:58 AM EDT

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1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Animal lover (I know that's two words), musician, environmentalist. And of course they're all related, in my mind.

2. How do you think others would describe you?
 

Very enthusiastic about things I believe in - maybe passionate is a better word - and always ready to try something new. Determined. Probably a little over the top about animals. And imaginative.

3.  Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Animals, definitely, The condition of the earth. Music (I'm a hospital-certified harp practitioner, and play harp in hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes; I'm a big advocate of the power of music, and sound, to heal).

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Currently I don't, I'm very sad to say. My half-Pomeranian, half-Poodle, Tribble, went to the Bridge in 2006 (she was 17), and I've been pretty lost without her, especially since she was the last of a canine family of five - all foundlings and strays - that my late husband and I brought home over the years. So far I haven't brought anybody else home yet. But I'm planning on adopting a rescue dog very soon - it's time. The house is really too quiet without at least one furry companion in it.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Probably when my late husband and I picked up one more addition to our canine family from the vet. We'd found E.T., a Shih Tzu, after he'd been hit by a van, and we took him to the emergency vet clinic and then to an orthopedic surgeon when our own vet said his injuries were beyond his capabilities. E.T.'s original owners never turned up, so he became ours by default. This was a dog who didn't really know us, except that we'd taken him in when he was hurt, and he spent the next several days in various veterinary hospitals getting x-rays and being treated, then finally having surgery to get his leg wired and pinned back together. When my husband and I went to pick him up and bring him home, he was still groggy from the anesthetic - but he took one look at us and wagged his tail. He knew who we were, and he was glad to see us. Then he promptly fell asleep in my arms on the ride home.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

The time my late husband had to have outpatient laser eye surgery in the hospital. I was there to drive him home, and I was so worried about him that when he came out after the surgery, with some kind of medicated cream smeared around his eye, I fainted - first and only time in my life. They wouldn't let us leave till they'd checked me out. Now that was embarrassing!

7.      If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Working full-time with animals.
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

She made a difference for animals, told great stories, and made beautiful music!

Lee Barwood the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I started writing stories in grade school, but even though I'd been publishing short stories and poetry since the late 1970s, I don't think it hit me till I was asked to volunteer for a local project. The group asked me what I did, and I told them I was a writer (I said it, even if I didn't believe it all the way down deep inside), and they said immediately, "Oh, you can do that in your spare time. You need to help us out." My immediate response was, "No, helping you is what I might do in my spare time." And from that point on I took myself a lot more seriously, because I realized how much I had published and how hard it had been to get that far.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm working on lots of different projects: a new novel, a nonfiction book, several short stories - I don't seem to be able to work on only one thing at a time. But that's what keeps life interesting for me.

So far this year two books have come out with my work in them: Deron Douglas' Dragons & Demons, Oh My! which is a collection of his cover art - he's the publisher at Double Dragon Publishing - and for which I wrote the introduction; and Marilyn Peake's Inside Scoop, which contains my essay on ecofiction, as well as a bit about my latest book, Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retellings, from Koala Jo Publishing.

This book is a collection of Australian Aboriginal stories, mostly about the koala, and besides being fascinating "how they got that way" tales, they offer a look at a side of the koala that most people don't suspect exists: their power. The Aboriginal people believe that the cute and cuddly koala is actually very powerful, almost a shamanic figure, because he has the power to sing the trees into growing and the rain into stopping. There's also a story that tells how he brought seeds down from the heavens with a mighty throw of his boomerang - the strength of the koala's arms is legendary - and another in which the koala is the only creature that doesn't fear the bunyip, a very frightening although perhaps mythical creature that men were very much afraid of.

The wonderful thing about Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retellings is that it has a purpose. All royalties from the book go to the Australian Wildlife Hospital, which is a major project of the late Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors. The Hospital started out as a small avocado processing shack, and was transformed into a wildlife hospital in 2004, in memory of Irwin's mother Lyn, who was a wildlife carer. It treats so many indigenous animals, not just koalas, that it hopelessly outgrew its facility, and last year they broke ground for a new environmentally friendly building and outdoor rehabilitation area. It should be finished later in March, and I've been working very hard to sell books and gift items made with the artwork from the book to raise funds for them.

The artwork, by the way, is very bright and colorful - really wonderful, extraordinary eye-catching stuff - and was done partly by the woman who founded Koala Jo, Joanne Ehrich, who is an artist, and partly by a group of children who were fans of Irwin and wanted to do something meaningful in his memory. There's a whole line of gift items, everything from sweatshirts and tees to coffee mugs, clocks, and keepsake boxes, with illustrations from the book - and all the royalties from these go to the Hospital as well. We've raised quite a bit of money so far, and I'm very proud of that, but we're just getting started.

11. What are your future goals for your writing?

More novels, a paranormal mystery series, and who knows? Maybe a movie.

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I try to start very early in the morning, so that I have something constructive done before I head off to the day job - otherwise, at night, sometimes I'm too tired to come up with something good. If, on the other hand, I've gotten the day off to a good start, it tends to energize me and give me the enthusiasm to keep working. On days that I'm home (=weekends), I work most of the day. If a story is going well, it's hard to stop.

At work, BTW, I write too - I'm a technical writer and financial journalist (under my mundane name). So I'm constantly using those brain cells!

13.  Why do you write?

Because I have to, I think. Seriously, I have all these stories just brimming over, and wish that I had more time to set them all down and figure them all out. Sometimes it's hard, when I don't have everything plotted out, but other times there's just such a feeling of satisfaction in resolving a plot point that I can't wait to do it again.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

There are a lot of them, but the top two would have to be Andre Norton and J. K. Rowling. Andre broke ground for a lot of women writers by writing great science fiction and fantasy, on a regular basis, for many years; her books had strong women as heroines, and people with otherworldly talents, and animals who mattered to the people around them. Her books were, and are, wonderful, and they inspired me no end. And on a more personal level, some time back she instituted an award called the Gryphon, and I screwed up my courage and submitted manuscripts two years running. The first year I was the runner-up, and the second year I won - and she couldn't have been kinder or more supportive. I am very grateful for having known her. It means so much when someone of her stature believes in you and tells you so, and does her best to help - she was a wonderful woman.

And J. K. Rowling inspires me because she had this tremendous vision, and she was in a very difficult place personally, but she didn't let that stop her from bringing Harry Potter and the entire Hogwarts universe to life. Her books are full of decency and fair play and courage, and she's encouraged kids all over the world to read - how  much better than that can it get?

15.  How do you define your writing?

Hard to categorize. I love fantasy, horror, and the supernatural, but I also love mystery and adventure. My novel A Dream of Drowned Hollow is an environmental suspense/thriller, but it also has elements of fantasy in it - or paranormal, as the market terms some of what I've used - and yet it all fits together. It's gotten some great reviews, but it's hard to say that it's one thing or another. Many of my short stories are crossovers, too, and the novel I'm working on now is a paranormal mystery. Plus there are others in the wings that I'm working on from time to time that don't fit tidily into one category or another.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

That it's still read and remembered. That it's stood the test of time and is still rewarding.

Lee Barwood the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

My website is http://www.leebarwood.com/, and I blog at MySpace; my page is www.myspace.com/leebarwood.

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

They can e-mail me through my website or at lee@leebarwood.com.

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Novels (readers who would like autographed copies can e-mail me about it):
A Dream of Drowned Hollow, available in paperback and e-book
Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retellings, also available in paperback and as an e-book

Short stories:
"The Minstrel," available in Illuminated Manuscripts
"Cold Comfort," available in Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine
"Grow Old Along with Me," available in Catfantastic V
"A Woman of Her Word," available in Catfantastic III
"Pyre," available in Sisters in Fantasy II
"The Rat's Alley Shuffle," with Charles de Lint, available in A Handful of Coppers

There are more, but they're OOP and pretty hard to track down these days.

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
      

To be surprised. To be introduced to wonder in places where they least expect it. To see other points of view. And to see animals - and situations - in a new way.

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 tell stories, first and foremost. I like magic in my reading, so I do my best to put it into my writing as well - to take the reader outside of the everyday world to a place where wonder is everywhere and anything is possible. In mysteries, I love a good puzzle and do my best to make the ones in my novels as satisfying as the ones I read in others' books.

But I also like to introduce my readers to ideas and concepts that they may not have encountered before - to take them places they haven't been, acquaint them with people whose beliefs they might not understand, and show them that animals - and situations - are more than they might seem. We're all more than the sum of our parts, and I hope that's true of my writing as well. There's magic in everything and everyone; the trick is finding it, and that's what I try to do with everything I write.

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Wednesday, 12 March 2008 1:13 AM EDT

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1.   What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

author, worrier, introvert

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

nag, nitpicker, (as applied to their writing) and friend

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Home, husband, pets, friends, reading and sharing information with other online authors.

4.   Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

A few old horses and several cats who run the show.  I am allowed a little free time when they are sleeping so that I can write. Sometimes three cats want held at the same time or petted at the same time. Sometimes they decide that I ought to be up at 3:30 in the morning in case they want or need something.

5.   What is your most precious memory?

Meeting my husband.

6.   What is your most embarrassing memory?

Having a nasty home economics teacher yell at me in front of other girls for something that wasn't my fault in the seventh grade. (I have a looong memory.)

7.   If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

What I do a lot anyhow--cleaning up cathair and spilled cat food. Seriously, I'd probably read more.

8.   In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

The writer, Anne K. Edwards passed away when her imagination suddenly dried up and her muse departed for other shores. Anne leaves behind several unfinished works and cats who will shortly be demanding custody of the can opener. 

Anne is survived by her daughter, Hannah Clare--P.I. who starred in Death on Delivery, a son -- Jeremy Kunkle, a son -- Elvis the dragon, and others.  Her last wish is that they continue to provide readers with enjoyment.

 Anne K. Edwards the Writer

9.   Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

When Lida Quillen of Twilight Times Books gave me a contract for Death on Delivery. Until then, I wasn't sure I could write.

10. What is going on with your writing these days?

I am currently trying to get some notice for my latest ebook The Last to Fall written as a warning.  It has gotten some wonderful comments and reviews. I want to get my schedule organized so I can get Voice in the Dark Zine out sooner, finish three projects in the works so I can do 2 more that I really want to write and follow other interesting ideas around to see where they go.

11. What are your future goals for your writing?

I don't set goals like I'm going to get an agent and publish the great American novel.  That is very unrealistic, but I do plan to keep writing and hope the stories find favor with readers.  The truth is, I am very happy with the publisher who has been very kind to me and hope the relationship continues.

12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

Good question.  I don't adhere to a writing schedule. I try to write a bit each day, bu having critters means they must come first  and there always are those interruptios I can't control.  In every day I usually read for review, write reviews, work on promo/marketing, write or edit, email friends or other writers. 

13. Why do you write?

I write because I must.  It's like having a little voice nagging in your ear.  You can hear it, but nobody else can.  It tells you what to write and you must obey.  If you ignore the voice you become restless, grouchy and feel unfulfilled.

14. What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I don't know if any one writer inspires me.  It's more like they all do.  I love the written word and find a satisfaction in the wide variety of authors out there with books for me to read.  I read old biographies and history, some anthropological books, a lot of good fiction in most genres and I think the exposure makes me want to write too.  I read to be entertained first.  I have always loved being told stories and I love to meet characters that step right off the page and say "welcome to my world". Tho writers who can create this type of world are the ones who influence me the most because I want to write as well as they do.

15. How do you define your writing?

I'm not sure I can.  I write in a start-stop fashion, and a variety.  I have a fantasy started (no, not a romance), a paranormal mystery, two kids books, another Hannah Clare mystery set in the area where I live, and whatever else strikes my fancy.  I guess the way to describes it is -- an idea comes down the road and I follow it to see where its going.  I'm often surprised at the destination.

16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

That's easy.  Anne K. Edwards wrote stories we can still enjoy.

Anne K. Edwards the details:

17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

There's not a lot of information about Anne K. Edwards on the net. Her bio is available on her publisher's website with any of the books published there.  http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com   She has a website that promotes online writers of good books and a zine. She has a page at http://www.BooksWeLove.com also. Anne's not one to tell about her private life and believes her works are what is most important.

18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?

http://www.Mysteryfiction.net if they want to subscribe to Voice in the Dark or AnneKEdwards@gmail.com  for general questions, but questions for information considered too personal will not be answered.

19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Death On Delivery  the first Hannah Clare mystery in print or ebook published by http://www.Twilighttimesbooks.com, Amazon, Fictionwise.com

Jeremy and the Dragon in ebook form only at the moment http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com   ebook

The Last to Fall in ebook form only at the moment  http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com   ebook

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing (by Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards) due out in June at http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com  

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

In Jeremy and the Dragon, they'd find a story about a child learning he can do things and think for himself to overcome obstacles. 

In Death on Delivery the reader would find a variety of characters written for realism, lots of bodies, but no gory scenes or sex.  I write for the story as lived by the characters  who are meant to be as live as I can make them.  I try to run the gamut of emotions and have a character who has done a wrong or is planning a wrong try to rationalize it as we would so that it doesn't seem wrong -- sort of it's someone else's fault...  I don't hide my killer(s) from readers.  One book starts with a murder and you see the killer.  I try to write as if it were real life, justice does not always prevail in some instances.

In The Last To Fall, a reader would encounter what our world could look like an a few generations if an effort isn't made to correct problems now in economic and political arenas.  On one end of the scale are three teens seeking safe haven and on the other end is a power mad leader and his henchmen. 

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?

When I write, I live in another place. I go adventuring to meet new people.  It's the same as reading a book, you open the cover and step into that world.  There's a sort of rule for writers, 'you must tell the reader. They only know what you give them in a story'. But I think that's too simple. A good book is often a guide and the reader brings their own imagination into play and unconsciously adds to the story. Words and ideas are subject to interpretation and each reader brings their own life experience into the reading of a book so each may have a different adventure in that story.  So I know different readers due to their own knowledge will take something different from my writing. 

I write for New Mystery Reader, an online zine, sometimes and I have a series of short stories--Death and the Detective where Death is a humorless character who encounters weird problems sometimes when he goes to collect a soul and must turn to the very unwilling detective for help.  I enjoy writing them as a sort of challenge as in what if Death couldn't find someone?

I love complicated plots for reading and writing them.  Life is complicated and I dearly love to know the 'why' of something a character does and I want that character to let me see how he/she thinks.  My own have surprised me many times and I hope they surprise the reader too.  Writing or reading should always be a new adventure.

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 11 March 2008 2:44 AM EDT

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As promised, today I announce the three additional winners of my Hundred Interview Contest.  First I want to take a minute to explain how I chose the winners.

 As I posted each interview, I wrote the interviewee's name down.  Once I reached the hundredth interview yesterday, I then asked each of my three guys to give me a number between one and ninety-nine.  I then went back and looked at my list to see who was given that number as I posted--those were my winners. 

 The winners and their prizes are (as well as a link to the orignal interview) are:

Dorien Grey has won a book trailer!  Check out his interview at: https://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/index.blog?from=20071203

Lorena McCourtney has won a package of promotional material!  Her interview is posted at:   https://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/index.blog?from=20071228

Lacresha Hayes has won the book tour! Her interview can be found here: https://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/index.blog?from=20080201

 Congratulations Guys!!!

I want to take a minute to let all of you know how much I enjoy getting to know you with these interviews.  I have much more planned in the near future with these past one hundred interviews.  I will also continue doing interviews so those of you who haven't had a chance yet, please contact me at rainbow@velocity.net and we'll get one set up.  I am now embarking on my Second One Hundred Interview Contest :-)

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:13 AM EDT

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 Today marks a very special day it is not only my son's birthday, but I get to present my 100th Interviewee, and winner of my Grand Prize!!!  Congratualations, T.C. !!!  Everyone, please stop back on Monday to find out the additional three prize winners!!!!!

T. C.  McMullen the person:

1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

open-minded, dreamer, giving

 2.  How do you think others would describe you?

Friends would describe me as a compassionate deep thinker who thinks too hard about everything and feels too much about it all.  Acquaintances, though, often mistake me as being a bit stuck on myself.  I'm a social misfit, taking more than a few minutes to feel comfortable enough to actually talk sense to anyone and often times people take that the wrong way.

3.  Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Art and philosophy.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Well, not sure I can claim them because technically they all belong to my girls, but since they live with me right now too... My oldest daughter has a 3 year old Sheppard/Lab/Collie mix who patrols our yard and watches over everyone, including the neighbors. Then there's our 1 year old Bambi, the cockapoo with no toes on her right front paw who rules the house with just a few flicks of her lashes beneath her curls. She will leave with my middle daughter when the time comes (unless I can talk her into letting me keep Bams J)  Then there's Cookie the rabbit for my youngest.  Oh, and the 10 gallon aquarium full of Tetra fish.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Just one?  Okay, has to be the time my girls and I started hiking off the beaten path at a nearby state park and got "lost."  That was the day the water looked like the end of the world to my oldest (in her defense, the sun was so bright, the water was just one glaring white sheet that did look surreal through the trees) and my girls realized Mom does have a good sense of direction.  We reached the car exhausted, a bit muddy, and with all kinds of neat pictures and memories.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

 Hmmm, I embarrass over the stupidest things, but the worst in near memory was the time I passed out at the dentist's office.  Sinus infection and couldn't eat and hold it down, but there was no one else to run the kids to their appointment.

7.  If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Art and gardening - which I do anyway.

8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Here lies T.C., she lived life to the fullest, never stopped laughing, and showed the world a new way of thinking

T. C. McMullen the writer:

9.   Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

When the first review came in for my first book. It was from a reader, not a relative or friend but was full of praise just the same. But now, looking back, I was a real writer long before that and on occasion I knew it, I just let it keep falling to the wayside.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I've just released my first novel in two years, Rise of the Arcadians a stand alone story already receiving great reviews.  I have another book finished, Daughter of Gods, the first to a planned series.  And Among the Ancients, another stand alone story is in the making.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

Honestly, just to keep creating new ideas.  I hope to never get stale, never have "stock" characters.  If that happens, it's time for me to stop writing and focus more on my art. To date I hear my characters are similar in some ways, but all very different too, so I'm still on track.

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

Get up, kids off to school, breakfast, work, work, work, help with homework, supper, kids in bed, and then I pull out the laptop if I'm not falling asleep.  That's when I'll get some writing done, but to be honest, it's mostly only happening late Fridays and Saturdays now.

13.  Why do you write?

Because I don't want to make my family miserable.  The other day my daughter asked me why I was so cranky.  My answer was that my latest character was storming around in my mind, creating all her scenes to the point it was jamming up my mind like a computer without enough RAM and I didn't have any time to sit and tromp it all out on any keyboard.  I'm better now, I got twenty pages written last night.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Stephen King for his ability to make anything, no matter how crazy, feel utterly real.  Terry brooks for his views on where humanity could be heading.

15.  How do you define your writing?

Entertaining puzzles that thrill as well as provoke deep thinking about seemingly typical things.

16.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

Stories of hope and passion that helped us all get through the years and better our lives without us even realizing it.

T. C. McMullen the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

My main website with everything is found at http://www.tcmcmullen.com/. I also have a website just for my Manipulated Evil Trilogy at http://manipulatedevilseries.com/ and my blog: http://tcmcmullen.blogspot.com/

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Sure thing, all my contact information is on my website, mailing address and email. 

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Whispers of Insanity

Gone Before Dawn, now only available through me at my website or used from bookstores

The Manipulated Evil Trilogy:

The Unseen: Book One

Scattered Souls: Book Two

Scorching Eden: Book Three

And just released:

Rise of the Arcadians

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

They can expect a little bit of everything.  They'll meet intense characters they can't help but love, faults and all, tied up in interesting and twisting plots, all of it with just a dash of ancient history and thinking beyond what's known J. 

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?

My first priority with my writing is to entertain while teasing thoughts to reach beyond the ordinary.  It's why it takes me so long to write a book. It has to grab me when I pick up something I've written because I know how precious time is these days and it's hard to make time for a book.  My books don't take time, they enhance it, and you reach the end before you even realize it.  I invite you to meet my characters and experience their lives full of trials and hope.  My stories are not just one genre. They are for everyone, not just fantasy and thriller readers, but for those who like romance, drama, coming of age, and adventure too. 

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: Sunday, 9 March 2008 12:25 AM EST

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1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

I'd say: quiet, busy and .... short.

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

That's hard to say. Those who I'm close to would describe me as silly. I can't help it, I'm a kid at heart.

3.  Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

You mean there are other things besides writing? Spending time with my family tops the list.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Are you sure you want to know?

We have three cats:

Mickey: This is our first cat and the "diva" of the family. She thinks she's the only animal that lives here and everyone else is passing through.

Lucky: He's  the only male cat. His favorite activity is dashing out of the house every time you open the door. He usually returns sopping wet from the rain he hadn't considered before his wild dash. 

We named him Lucky because my daughter was lucky she talked me into buying the cat. Turns out the name fits him well, since he manages to return safely from his adventures.

Mittens: She's our third and final cat. She was a stray that my stepfather found on a road. He thought she was hurt and pulled his car over to check her out. She was very young, in need of a bath, and in need of medical care. My stepfather couldn't take care of her, so I offered her a home. She is the most affectionate out of the three. Mickey is very jealous and doesn't take well to Mittens.

We also have a dog:

Scooby: he looks nothing like Scooby-Do. In fact, he's a black, 10 pound chihuahuah/rat terrior mix. He was a Father's Day present to my husband. Scooby is very affectionate and follows me everywhere. He won't even go with the kids when they help let him out. No. Yours Truly is the only one who has that job.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

My most precious memory is our family trip to Disney World in April of 2005. My middle child, Jacqueline, is a liver transplant patient and the Make a Wish Foundation granted her wish to go to Disney World.  Everyone from the M.A.W. Foundation to every staff member at the village we stayed at, to every staff member at Disney World made Jackie feel like a star. For once, her illness caused her joy instead of pain.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?
 

I was a teacher at an elementary school. All the teachers were to make an appearance at the 8^th grade dance. While I was getting ready, I put a hole in my last pair of stockings. There was no time to hit a store. My only option was to wear knee-highs. I wore a long skirt - but a-hem - unfortunately a student noticed.  *blush*

7.   If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

More housework! In essence, that's true. I wouldn't be able to work outside the home because I'm needed for Jacqueline's medical care (also her brother Anthony is a kidney patient).  
 

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Jennifer Gladen, children's author, is survived by her husband and three children. She loved to write and has an extensive collection of stories, articles, poems and books for children. When she couldn't teach children by working as a  teacher due to her obligation to her children's medical conditions, she chose to teach children through her writing. Family members say that she can rest peacefully because her work will continue to reach and teach children.

Jennifer Gladen the writer:

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

I realized I was a "real" writer once I allowed myself to think it. My first publication was a poem in a Pro-Life newspaper. The editor gave my poem a half -page spread and included my bio. Once I saw that in print, I thought, "Wow - just like a real author!"

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

My first e-book, A Star in the Night, is awaiting publication from Guardian Angel Publishing this summer. My latest story, "Mrs. Martin's Marigolds" appeared in February's issue of Stories for Children Magazine.

11.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

First I get on the computer and check any mail (could there be an acceptance this morning?) I check my calendar and make sure there's no appointments for the day. I've missed many of my own doctor appointments because I've gotten too wrapped up in the writing world.

Then, to get my brain working, I check to see if I have anything new to update on my website or blogs.

I then move on to revising a current work in progress.

I'm in three critique groups, so I usually have a manuscript any given day to critique.

After lunch I review one of my "almost ready to go out" manuscripts. I begin market research to find out which publisher might best fit my book.

On days that I'm ready for a submission, I prepare my cover letter, envelope and manuscript for mailing.

12. Why do you write?
 

I write because I love it. There's nothing more satisfying to me than creating a world, characters and situations.

13.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Currently, I must admit, I'm most inspired by J.K. Rowling. She created a whole entire world and characters that you just love. She stuck with her creativity, stayed true to her story and characters, and her books did well for it. T

14.  How do you define your writing?

My writing is a writing for children. The kid at heart comes through once I get into my characters' heads.

15.  In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

I'd be happy if someone came across one of my books, and nostalgic feelings arise.  "I remember that book. What a great story."

Jennifer Gladen the details:

16.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

WEBSITE:  http://www.jennifergladen.com/
BLOG        http://jgladen.blogspot.com/

BLOG:       http://jengladensmusings.wordpress.com/

17.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

Sure. Readers can reach me at jens_creations@jennifergladen.com

18.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

A Star in the Night

Check back at my website often for updates on news about my current works in progress.  http://www.jennifergladen.com/

19.   For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

You will hopefully experience the story along with my characters. A Star in the Night provides a unique experience for Andy, my main character on a special Christmas Eve.

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?

I write with a purpose: To share my characters' world with my readers. The stories the characters provide are gateways to the imagination. I do write nonfiction also. So far, it has only shown up in articles. But again, I write these not to just write about something. I write to share what I've found fascinating.  My article, "Fulfilling a Destiny," is an article about caterpillars turning into a butterfly. I wrote about that when I saw how wondrous it is for life to change right before our eyes. To fully understand what my writing is about, feel free to visit my webpage: http://www.jennifergladen.com/

Thank you Joyce for this amazing opportunity.

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: Saturday, 8 March 2008 1:08 AM EST

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1.      What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Loving, loyal, and focused

2.      How do you think others would describe you?

Probably as someone who knows what she is doing, and is very confident of herself and her abilities.  If only they KNEW!!!

3.      Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

My personal and intimate relationships with my three children and my husband. My children are all grown, with lives and families of their own, and their choice of partners makes me happy. My husband is the rock I lean against, and the only one who sees the cracks in me, and shores them up as needed.  My kids are now old enough and mature enough for us to be friends.  I can ask their advice, and they can ask mine, without worrying about either parties stepping on tender toes.  Slowly developing peer-like relationships with your adult children is wonderful.

4.  Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Don't get me started on pets, mate.  At one time we had 3 pygmy goats, 7 cats, 3 dogs, a couple of dozen guinea pigs, a caged bird or two, and a well stocked fish tank.  The fish were because that was my husband's business: likewise the guinea pigs.  Small goats and a lot of guinea pigs are great for keeping the grass mowed.  I would put the g.pigs outside on the grass, inside a large circle of wire mesh, and move them every half hour - great little mowers!!  The goats were staked at various spots, away from all the gardens and shrubs, and they mowed for us too!  The pet parade slowly diminished as the kids left home.  Now there is just the two of us, and one cat.  My husband has to mow the grass himself these days.  Oh, these days we have a family of deer who are partial to my roses and my spring bulbs.  The roses are now dressed in fine black mesh to keep the deer away from them.  We also feed a big variety of wild birds.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

This one is a snap!  When each of my three kids was born, of course.  I always felt wonderful during a pregnancy, and overflowed with love when each of them was born. Just as well, too, because that made up for the teen years, when a couple of them put gray hairs and wrinkles where once all was red (hair) and smooth.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

You have time for this?  I guess this is a "family" interview, so I had better give you my third worst event instead.  This involved sending a very personal post, with anything but flattering things to say about someone, to a large online list I was on.  Of course, I had meant to send the post privately to only one person.  My shame and embarrassment was overwhelming.  This taught me check the address before I clicked SEND.  And my dear mother's advice also comes to mind: "Never say or write anything you wouldn't want everyone to read on the front page of the newspaper."

7.      If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Who knows?  Dying of boredom I suspect.  I love my computer, and if I had been born later, I would probably want to learn everything about how they work their devious magic - as well as their bad spells.  A website designer would work for me.  I love tinkering with my website and my blog.

8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Oh dear, this is a poser, mate!! 

Margot Finke, a writer of children's books, died in her sleep last night of natural causes. She died too young: with many projects planned, and many still to be completed.  Writing was her joy, her woe, and her earthly anchor.  She will be sadly missed by her husband and children, one or two smart publishers, and an agent who was probably more interested in percentages. Children will remember Margot's books for their cool characters and adventure driven plots.

 Margot Finke the Writer

9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

Am I a real writer?  I am often unsure.  Rejections make me feel inadequate - as of I missed one of life's major learning classes.  Is a real writer one who writes, one who is published, one who takes lots of classes, reads lots of books on writing, and has a great website?  I am still waiting for someone wise and superior to tell me if I am a real writer.

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

At the moment, I am polishing some mid grades I wrote, and researching agents and publishers.  The fun part was the writing. This part is the pits!!

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

To publish every one of the books I have finished, and then spend time riffing on some rhyming pieces I have stored in my head.

12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I usually have breakfast and do household chores until about 11am.  My husband has taken over our almost acre of gardens, so I am now able to write all afternoon, have dinner, and then write again until 8pm.  The deal is that I finish up at 8pm every night, so we can spend time together. It might not all be writing. First there is usually a raft of e-mails to be attended to, my critique client's manuscripts to be worked on, and don't forget that perfect procrastination tool - blog and website tweaking!!

13.  Why do you write?

Because to not write is absolutely unthinkable.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I think the author of The Lovely Bones ( Alice Sebold) drew me in more than any writer in a long while.  In my teens and twenties, I devoured all the classics - in fact, I became so absorbed in the fate of those in A Tale of To Cities, that I missed my train station, and had to walk 4 miles home in the boiling Aussie heat, in high heels!

15.  How do you define your writing?

Something that gushes out of me in a torrent -  then, I have to go back and tame it.  I love verbs that paint powerful word pictures in children's minds.  For me, verbs trump adjectives every time.  I like to use words the same way a painter uses colors.

16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

Margot Finke's stories were great:  I still remember all her characters.

Margo Finke the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

It's all on my Website: http://www.margotfinke.com/ 

and my new Blog: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

YES. My e-mail addy is mfinke@verizon.net

19.  Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

On Home Page, you can listen to me read two of my books while watching slides of the illustrations.  NOTE: Anyone buying a CD of my book gets a link to where they can hear me reading the story while watching slides of the illustrations.

MY BOOKS: Available on CD and download from various sources + my website.

http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Books.html#clues  - See covers & sample verses!

Below, find my 6 book series of rhyming stories about animals from the US and Australia.  They are fun as well as educational:

KANGAROO CLUES - MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR - HUMDINGER HUMMERS

DON'T EAT PLATYPUS STEW and 2 other Aussie rhymes

+ Koala Capers & Kooky Kookaburra

NEVER SAY BOO TO A FRILLY + 2 other Aussie bush rhymes

+ Rainbow Birds and Tasmanian Devil Dance

PRAIRIE DOG'S PLAY DAY and 2 more fun rhymes.

 + Bald Eagle Rules & The Stinker (skunk)

EXTRA INFORMATION for teachers kids and parents, is on either :

* DOWN-UNDER FUN page:  http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Down-Under.htm#you

* WILD US CRITTERS:  http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/US%20Critters.htm#US

OUT SOON - available in SOFT COVER and CD

RATTLESNAKE JAM (Guardian Angel Publishers)  Fun rhyming frolic with Gran, Pa, and a pot full of rattlers! 

Go to my OTHER BOOKS page: http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/My%20Other%20Books.htm#other

To see wild and wacky illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier.  Use any you like.

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

I like to be sneaky, and offer learning snippets with my fun rhymes: the same with my mid-grade novels.  I like to use authentic settings that blend in with the story and the fictional characters.  Several of my books have Australian or Oregon settings.  These are places I know well.  My two adventures for boys are set in the Aussie outback, and although the characters are fictional, the setting and many of the happenings are based on reality and facts.  Kids learn things as they become involved with the plot and the characters.

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?

Writers who become published are the ones who stick with it and don't let rejections discourage them.  If you want to succeed at writing for children, you have to treat it as a business and not a bobby.  Write, write, write, read lots of books and join a really good critique group.  Rewrite and rework your manuscripts until they are well polished.  Go to writing conferences as often as possible.  This is where you get to network with other writers, and mingle with editors and agents - your chance to send a few chapters to an otherwise closed house. Study writing and publishing trends.  Research publishers, and read their submission guidelines.  Make sure your book is right for their current list.  Join a good online list where other writers are supportive and share their knowledge.  Be a sponge: soak up every drop of writing information that comes your way.

This Musings column tells it like it is:

Enthusiastic Hobbyist or Dedicated Writer:
Which One Are You?    http://www.underdown.org/mf-writer-or-hobbyist.htm 

Posted by joyceanthony at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: Friday, 7 March 2008 1:17 AM EST

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