Getting to Know Zahra Owens
Topic: Author Interview
Zahra Owens the person:

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.

Getting to Know Randi Clarken
Topic: Author Interview
Randi Clarken the person:

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.

Getting to Know Mark Heber Miller
Topic: Author Interview

Mark Miller the person:

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

   Spirituality – Non-judgmental - Guileless

2. How do you think others would describe you?

   Disciplined – Hard-working – A serious Christian

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

   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.

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

   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.

5. What is your most precious memory?

   Birth of my 4 children. First time I saw my future wife in the 9^th grade.

6. What is your most embarrassing memory?

   Can't remember!!!!!!!!

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

   Medical missionary

8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

   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.

9. 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?

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

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?

 

Getting to Know J. M. Snyder
Topic: Author Interview
J. M. Snyder the person:

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.

Getting to Know Tara Greenbaum
Topic: Author Interview
Tara Greenbaum the person:

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 24^th.

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 24^th)

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

Getting to Know Vivian Zabel
Topic: Author Interview
Vivian Zabel the person:

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

 Loving, living, and laughing, between sobs

2.  How do you think others would describe you?

 Most see me as serious, hardworking, with high standards, most think I can't get away from being a teacher. Few people see the fun-loving part of me, or the rather dry, sometimes corny, humor.

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

 My husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are the most important parts of my life, then comes writing.

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

Funny Face is a he/it cat with a lop-sided patterned face. He thinks he owns me, and he is my guard cat. If we're outside and a dog acts as if coming toward me, Funny Face fluffs up, hisses, and prepares to attack the dog. He has a mainly white face with a splotch of dark color on one side of his nose. A white shawl surrounds his shoulders and covers his chest and legs. The "shawl" appears to have slipped because it's not even on both sides.

GG is mainly white with a few smears of black, as if she walked under something greasy and brushed it. Her face is shaped like a Siamese, and her eyes are a pale green. She is "different" and has a personality all her own, that of a pest.

I would love to have another German Shepherd, but our yard is way too small.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

 Now that is a difficult question considering all the years I've lived: my wedding day; the birth of each of my children; the births of my ten grandchildren; the births of my great-grandchildren; my husband's love and support when our youngest baby died after a few hours; one granddaughter's scribbles on the wall  of our new house when she was about two-years-old and her explanation that she wrote, "I love you; I love you." Three years later (eleven years ago) her father took her and her brother, and we've not seen or heard from them since.

Another one, my teen-aged grandson allowed me to hug him in the parking lot after a basketball game, in front of his teammates, and even returned the hug.

His brother leaving a quarter beside my computer because he heard me say I didn't have the money for something.

How do I choose my most precious memory?

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

That's an easy question to answer, in fact I've written a story about it which is one of the stories in Hidden Lies and Other Stories, "The Crazy-woman Dance."

 I was pregnant with my last child, and we were attending my daughter's (the oldest child) kindergarten Christmas program. I took my dress from the plastic bag from the cleaners, and my coat from it's bag. What I didn't know was somehow, someway, a mouse was inside the dress. When I got out of the car for the program, the mouse started running around and around my middle. I did a crazy-woman dance with all my daughter's friends and families watching.

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

I've already been a wife, mother, motel receptionist, office manager, bookkeeper,    and teacher for twenty-seven years. I'm now an author and publisher. I think I'll  just worry about extending my life long enough to finish all I need to do. *laugh*
 

8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel was born to Raymond and Dolly Gilbert, traveled around the world with her military father, and discovered she likes staying in one spot. After meeting and marrying Robert Zabel, though, she followed him around for several years before they settled in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Through her family, life experiences, and vivid imagination, she found enough material to write poetry, short stories, articles, and novels. Her legacy isn't all in her words, though, but through the lives of the descendants who live after her.

Vivian Zabel the writer:

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

I started writing poetry when in the third grade, but I had always entertained my siblings and friends with my stories. I remember telling a friend when we were in the eighth grade the plot for a book I was going to write. She laughed, but that plot lives in one of my novels.

I don't know when I realized I am a "real" writer, because writing has always been an central part of my life.

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

 I'm over half way finished with a young adult book, Prairie Dog Cowboy, set back in the 1899s through 1912. I've wanted to be able to use some of my husband's stories about being a cowboy and breaking horses, and in this book I can.

My mystery/suspense novel, Midnight Hours, will be released later this year, and I have a sequel in mind.

However, I don't get to write as much as I would like anymore because I'm busy preparing other people's books for publishing.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

 I have at least two more young adult books in mind. I started writing about the base stealers club when I couldn't find books that would interest a grandson who lives sports but is a reluctant reader. I couldn't find any, so I starting writing some.

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

I don't have typical days of any kind. I have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia, so I never know what days I can even crawl from bed. Often I'm unable to sleep, so I work most of the night in short spurts. I try to work at least thirty minutes a day on my writing no matter what is       happening.

13.  Why do you write?

I don't have a choice. I write because I HAVE to. At times the words beat inside  my head until I stop whatever I'm doing or get up and write them down.

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

 I seriously don't know how to answer this question. I can't say any one writer does, but that all of them do who write work that I have to finish before I can put the book down. I like to "get lost" in the words until I feel as if I'm part of the story.

15.  How do you define your writing?

 My writing is my life stretched, molded, added to, explored, and heavily doctored with imagination. While I write, I am with my characters living their lives.

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

Uh, I wish I had a chance of being here to hear what they might say. *laugh*

Seriously, I hope they say my writing helped them escape for a while, endure longer, and entertained them.

Vivian Zabel the details:

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

 My web site is http://viviangilbertzabel.com/

I have several blogs:           

 http://viviangilbertzabel.com/blog.html

http://vzabel.multiply.com/journal

http://blog365.ning.com/profile/VivianGilbertZabel

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

I hang out on several Yahoo email groups, including the SinC (Sisters in Crime) group, the Muse Conference Board, Bragging Rites. I'm a member of Writing.Com, and people can visit my port at http://vzabel.Writing.Com/ . I'm also a member of OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation), http://www.owfi.org/.

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

Hidden Lies and Other Stories by Vivian Gilbert Zabel and Holly Jahangiri

Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry by Vivian Zabel et al

The Base Stealers Club by V. Gilbert Zabel

Case of the Missing Coach  by V. Gilbert Zabel

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

They'll find realistic characters and plots in the short stories and books. The poetry I wrote is filled with understandable imagery.

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 write not only because I must, but also because I want others to have material they can enjoy reading. Characters should be people we would like to know (and whom I do "know" in my head), and stories should be interesting and believable.  Even fantasy should be believable based on the possibilities of actions and behavior IF the circumstances actually existed.

Poetry should appeal to the readers' senses and should be able to be understood by readers.

My goals are to write so that you, the reader, want to read what I write.

Getting to Know Mary Andrews
Topic: Author Interview
Mary Andrews the person:

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

creative, generous, idealistic

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

      Interesting (?)

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

 I hate waste. Nothing makes me happier than to turn something that has been deemed worthless into a piece of art or a functional item. 

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

My husband and I cohabitate with 4 indoor cats. 

Taz, my husband's owner, is a huge tabby with Burmese roots. He is the enforcer of rules. All family felines must salute him.

Diamond was born on Mother's day and is a world builder. (He moonlights as a cat burglar and has quite a sense of humor.)  From the start he has set out to teach us how to get along.  He trained me, then my husband, and then one by one he taught each of the other cats what standards they should aspire to and how to achieve them...even the dog.  

Sable is the backyard matriarch of our black cat brigade out back.  She came to us with a damaged leg and we could never get close enough to fix it for her.  Since her health was really bad back then, I had to help her deliver 7 kittens, and she eventually left them under my bench when she knew she could not raise them. 

The lovely little Lilly is the only survivor of that litter.  She has digestive problems and had to be hand fed.  In fact, she was so small that she wore all the hair off of her back while fighting to feed among her adopted siblings (one of which is Diamond).  No matter how hard she fought, no matter what she did, eventually everybody grew large enough to out rank her.  She hates being taken for granted.  (Diamond will frequently stop in the middle of scuffling with her and clean his paws as if she is not there.  She hates that.)  So she remains aloof from the others, keeping interactions brief, and she allows them to live-but not use HER litter box. 

Ichigo Haze is our newest addition to the household. He is one of Sable's grandsons.  When 3 of the backyard cats (all but one of which are black, by the way) decided to have litters almost all at once last year, Ichigo was put in the unfortunate position of being one of the last born.  That meant that when the mommas decided to wean all the young at once, the littlest ones were cut loose earlier than they should've been.  Ichigo has a reddish haze to his black fur so I originally called him Haze. I'd never seen a cat/kitten throw itself on its back and beg for more petting like he does.  That's how he got named Ichigo: from top to bottom, he almost seems itchy, itchy, itchy.  Somehow, he developed some kind of sinus problem but his playfulness and loving disposition scored him an indoor pass despite the fact that we did not intend to be taken in by any more wanna-be house cats.  Oh well.  He currently fills the position of everybody's (except Lilly's) cuddle baby.

And then there's Tech, a fat little minipin who lives to eat.  He won't fetch, play tug-a-war, catch Frisbees, or mind half the time.  I swear he's ADD.  But for some reason, he keeps petitioning everyone who comes by to steal him away.

5.     What is your most precious memory?

I spent days trying to answer this and the next questions, and I finally came to the conclusion, that I can't single out a single one-there have just been so many....

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

same as above

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

Collecting a paycheck from whomever offers me the most money and making due with what I've got while dabbling in the arts/crafts.

8.     In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

 Author Mary Andrews died yesterday of a stroke after winning the World Uber Lotto.  Though only 207 years old, her FMO was unable to save her.  In an uncommonly generous last act, she thrust her cybernetic donor card into the care of the EMS team.   There will be many, many, many friends and relatives left behind- now.

 (Oh come on, what did you expect?  I'm a science fiction writer!)

Mary Andrews the writer:

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

When my first reviews started coming out, and people said they liked the book is probably when it really started to sink in.  I mean, you spend so much time getting critiques and striving to perfect your craft.  You start second guessing yourself.  It was perhaps a revelation to me that readers do not read exclusively to test the art of writing.  They read to be entertained, and can value a good story even above technique.

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

I'm currently writing The Fireborn Chronicles: Book II.  It has been contracted by Swimming Kangaroo to be sent to the editors on September 1^st.
 

11.   What are your future goals for your writing?

To put out at least one Fireborn book a year.  Also, I need to find homes for several short stories.

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

I crawl out of bed, splash water in my face, pet and brush the cats, let the dog out, feed the cats, eat breakfast, have coffee, decide my priorities and turn on the laptop. I spend about an hour or two a day on email and business things, and then I try to write during the day by putting on my head phones and playing my writing music. (A few decades ago, when I first started writing, I had kids and a husband and a time table to contend with, so I decided to go Pavlov on myself to expedite the creative process.  After the family was all bedded down, I would take a glass of Pepsi to my desk and turn on a tape of Intergalactic Touring band and Alan Parson's I Robot.  I let it  softly play over and over in the background while I wrote.  To this day, whenever I  turn those two albums on, I go creative-and crave a coke.) 

Any way, if life doesn't get in my way via phone calls and natural disasters, I can spend hours in that mode once I've gotten it going.  But usually, I wait til after 10pm and just stay up all night when there are fewer distractions.  Recently, I have found it easier to do rewrites and corrections to previously written sections in the daytime, and to do the original drafts at night.  I have found it very handy to only need 5 hours of sleep too.

13.    Why do you write?

Because I could not afford to become an artist.  Art supplies and training is costly.  Music is the same way, but I am compelled to create things one way or another and I still dabble at these art forms, turning ‘trash' to treasures. 

 So I guess it just seemed more possible to learn the art of writing.  I  started out with a pencil and paper and ‘a song in my heart.'  At my first Sci Fi convention I was amazed to see all the opportunities amidst the fun and games.  I payed my way into them with ceramic unicorns and craft items in the dealer halls.  And the conventions introduced me to professional writers who sat in panels and gave me the benefit of their considerable knowledge in the field. 

I learned from them first.  Then formed writers groups, a fanzine for aspiring writers, Gorbash, which gave me an excuse to approach the pros and interview them.  Life got in my way for a little while there and I was reduced to writing short things like poetry and songs or short stories for a while before I stabilized and got back on my feet again and finally finished my book.

By then, the internet had arrived and it erupted into an enormous wealth of information. FREE Online conventions brought opportunities and knowledge. (I attended and took notes for 30 classes at my first Muse Online Convention), and when I submitted the opening 10 pages of The Fireborn Chronicles as part of an assignment to be critiqued by Dindy Robinson, the head of Swimming Kangaroo Publisher, and the rest is history.  What an adventure, huh?

As I wrote this, I got to wondering if the cost of art supplies was really that much more expensive that writing equipment since though I started paper and pencil, I then moved on to a manual typewriter, an electric typewriter, a second hand Kaypro ‘portable' computer, a refurbished second hand IBM laptop, and now my brand spankin new wide screen Hewlett Packard laptop and notebook cooler. 

Hmmm...maybe I write because it is therapeutic.  Maybe because I like the challenge of following long what-if scenarios to see where they lead me or maybe I'm just reflecting the wonder of God's creation all around me.  Who knows why anyone does anything really? 

14.   What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Tough question.  The most current one would be J K Rowland.  Her easy-to-read, no nonsense style of story telling is perfect for modern readers.  Though the first three short stories in The Fireborn Chronicles were written in other styles, the main body of Part four was inspired by her style.
 

15.    How do you define your writing?

 Psionic sci fi: The inevitable fusion of Man, Machine, and the Paranormal.

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

 I love her books.

Mary Andrews the details:

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

 On my website home page, I provide ‘Me sightings' as well. (see below for address.)

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

 http://www.freewebs.com/mary-andrews/  Be sure to leave your email address in correspondences if you want me to respond though because they do not automatically register.

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

 Until next year when the sequel comes out it's The Fireborn Chronicles

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

 As the Nemesis team searches the stars, prepare to be distracted from work and leave your troubles behind.  Uh...I suspect it would go good with coffee too.   (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?

My life has been very hard and very trying.  Writing is both a passion and an outlet for me. Amidst my poverty, it has been a form of art that I can afford to learn and practice and I am driven to create.  Feel free to pronounce character names and fill in any blanks you may find in my books.  I want my readers to become a part of the creative experience, and to enjoy it. I believe that every work of art, be it a puppet or a gown or a piece of written fiction has a ‘life' of its own.  Its ‘flavor' is meant to be tasted.  Nothing (other than perhaps an exorbitant amount of financial recompense) could make me happier than to know that my books and I were entertaining.  

Enjoy the ride.

Getting to Know Mary Ellen Courville
Topic: Author Interview
Mary Ellen Courville the person:

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

Good intentioned- I never mean to put my foot in my mouth, yet the pleathery taste of shoe sole remains. 

Grace-filled- I am awed by the grace God has shown me, and I try to show that same grace to others.  We even named our daughter Grace (although long time friends persist in thinking that her name stemmed from my own high school nickname "Grace," with which I was sarcastically dubbed due to my lack of coordination). 

Encouraging- I believe encouragement is one of the most meaningful free gifts we can offer each other. 

2. How do you think others would describe you? 

Talkative- Well, they might describe me that way if I let them get a word in edgewise.  Energetic, enthusiastic or excited, I think round out the list. 

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

Teenage is a time I will never forget.  I am a passionate advocate for teens.  I want them to understand that they are not alone.  To this end, I teach teenagers English and writing.  More often, however, they teach me empathy and acceptance.  Teenage is a humbling time, when teens haven't mastered the adult art of keeping emotions in check and wearing many masks.  I learn from teens how to embrace the reality of the clutzy, foot-in-mouth, frizzy haired person God created me to be. 

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

Smokie joined our family a year and a half ago after we bought our first home. Her shivering body and big black eyes couldn't be denied at a local animal shelter's adoption day.  Over the past year her black coat has thickened and grayed.  She now has a streak of white that sticks up on top of her head like a Mohawk.  We think she's a schnauzer-terrier mix, but we constantly evaluate breeds trying to decide what her heritage may have been.  Spunky, sweet, wild-haired mutt, she's the perfect mix for our family. 

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Last year, one of my students wrote a letter nominating me to be the local Wal-Mart 2007 teacher of the year.  I didn't learn of this until months later during a special assembly.  That May morning I looked into the audience and saw my children, who were supposed to be in class, sitting beside my principal.  Before I had time to wonder why, the speaker at the microphone called me forward.  A Wal-Mart manager stood at the podium with a six foot long check made out to the school in honor of me, their 2007 Teacher of the Year.  The most precious part of that award was standing with my children hugging me on stage and reading the encouraging words of the nomination letter penned by one of my students.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?  

Have I mentioned my love of coffee?  What about my lack of coordination?  These two traits unite for one of a plethora of embarrassing moments.  A few years ago as I began my morning class, I put down my Styrofoam cup of coffee. As the class progressed, I lost track of where I'd put my untouched coffee.  Near the end of the class, I perched upon a stool in the front of the room.  The upside of that moment is that I finally found my coffee; the downside is that the coffee was still warm as it decorated my posterior.  There are many reasons that teenagers enjoy my class.  I only hope that a love of literature and writing rank close to their enjoyment of seeing my daily episodes of grace.


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

If not a writer, I would still be a mother, a teacher, a wife and a friend.  I pray daily that God would write through me and use my experiences to somehow help or encourage other people.  If I didn't claim the role of writer, my prayer wouldn't change.  The difference would only be the medium.  Without a keyboard, I would perhaps record in scrapbooks and photographs the vignettes and stories I now collect on paper.  Maybe my lens of life would find its way into paintings, and art would reach out to others from my experiences.  
 

Mary Ellen Courville the writer:

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

Seated in the waiting area of a local music studio where my daughter was taking piano lessons, I read quietly to my son.  Across from me another parent took her seat and began to flip through a local parenting magazine.  I eyed the woman across from me covertly as I continued reading to my son.  She settled on an article and became fully absorbed, never making eye contact with me.  Over the top of the magazine I could see the article she was reading.  I recognized the picture and the page layout.  The woman facing me smothered a chuckle and continued to read.  I wondered which part had made her laugh.  I wanted so much to ask her; I wanted to reach over and introduce myself.  I thought about my introduction, "My name is Mary Ellen, and I wrote the article you are reading."  It sounded too strange to me, so I didn't speak.  At that moment however strange it sounded, I realized that somewhere along the way, I had actually become a writer.      


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

This year everything is growing.  From the seed of a true tale told to me, a fiction children's book took root.  Now, in September 2008 "The Pilgrim's Basket" a children's story based on a Louisiana classroom service learning project is set to see library and bookstore shelves near you.   I am setting up next year's calendar of readings, classroom visits and book signings. http://writethroughme.blogspot.com/  is  "The Pilgrim's Basket" blog.   The book's challenge to people of all ages to reach out and serve their communities makes it a perfect kickoff for canned food drives, service project days and other outreach opportunities.  I'm especially excited with the prospect of kicking off the book's promotions in Ruston, Louisiana with the help of those giving people who inspired the book in the first place.   

10.  What are your future goals for your writing? 

I am in the revising stages of "SLAP,"my young adult novel which is based on the events following the 2005 Louisiana hurricanes.  Bringing this story to life requires patience, but it has a grip on my heart.  I believe it is a story that begs to be told, and I plan to persevere in seeing it through to publication. http://www.writemaryellen.com/ 

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

I write best when the world is sleeping.  At four AM the quiet click of my laptop keys blends with the drip of percolating coffee and the flurry of ideas awakening on the screen.  I write in small snatches in notebooks that surround me, in my purse, my pocket, my briefcase, or my drawers.  These hidden idea catchers keep my mind writing even when I'm away from my computer.


12.  Why do you write?

I write to find out what I think.  If I go too long without a pen or a keyboard, my thoughts become jumbled.  Writing brings me clarity and is often cathartic.  

13.   What writer most inspires you?  Why? 

Harper Lee inspires me because of the questions To Kill a Mockingbird asks but doesn't blatantly answer.  The reader wants to apply the book to life today and see if it has relevance.  I like that.  I love her use of language as well.

14.  How do you define your writing? 

Encouraging- I would hope readers could see a shred of themselves in the characters and feel encouraged or challenged to reach out and encourage others.

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

There's no way that writer from 2008 could have intended this to apply to my life, but it still has meaning to me. 

Mary Ellen Courville the details:

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

http://home.earthlink.net/~maryellencourville/index.html my website and parenting articles

http://www.shoutlife.com/maryellencourville  my life blog

http://www.writemaryellen.com/  my Y/A "SLAP" site

http://writethroughme.blogspot.com/  my children's book "Pilgrim's Basket" blog

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

maryellencourville@gmail.com

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

"The Pilgrim's Basket" by Living Waters Publications September 2008

 "Breathe" published in the "Imagine" anthology 2007

 Various parenting articles available through my website

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

Whether they read my articles about mommy-hood or stories about giving hearted children, readers of my writing should find encouragement that inspires them to reach out to others.

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? 

This writing journey is a humbling one.  It's a balanced juggle of living life and writing it.  There is no clear map of how to get from point A to Z, so my best attempt is to simply appreciate the rabbit trails and coffee spills along the way.  Maybe Z wasn't even my destination.  My most meaningful writing may have been the letter I wrote to my sick friend or the thank you note I sent to a virtual stranger.  For now, I'm clacking along the keyboard alphabet, progressing to the letter P for publication and promotion, knowing that it will send me back to A as I open a new file, start a new chapter and begin again.   

Getting to Know Sharolyn Wells
Topic: Author Interview
Sharolyn Wells the person:

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

Loving, generous, Willing to go that extra mile for someone else

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

My best friend Tony describes me as Creative, a fierce and loyal friend, constantly assaulted by new story ideas by my ever-elusive Muse, but always willing to help another writer who's stuck.

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

I think family first, then friends (of course, some of my friends have become like my extended family); Music (all kinds but love classical and classic rock and country the best); learning-want to go back to college one day and finish getting my bachelor's degree

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

No pets, unless you count my hubby Phil

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Christmas 1962. My grandfather had been asking for a new car for the past six months, so my mom bought him a little Tonka truck. He kept that car on a shelf in his house until he died on my birthday except 10 months later.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

Oh, Lord! Telling Russell H. that I was in love with him, as a sophomore in high school and then him telling me he was gay.

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

I've been writing since I was 13. Before that, my sister and I would lie in bed and we would dream about visiting places all over the world. We would describe everything we saw at the places we went. So I guess I always was a writer in one sense or another.

8.  In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Sharolyn Wells was born on October 25, 1951 in Muskogee OK, the daughter of the late Billie Dean and Zelda M. (Fulk) Atchison. She is survived by her loving husband Phillip, daughters Lori K. Butler and Megan K. Wells. In life, Sharolyn-also known as Shay to her friends-was a generous, loving and loyal friend.

Sharolyn has been a writer her entire life and has an extensive career in both print, e-books and movies. Her film and book "Ghost of Killough Castle" was an instant success with her public. She died sitting at her keyboard working on another classic.

Sharolyn Wells the writer:

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

The first time my sister read my first short story (I was 13) and she told me it was "as good as anything I read in school"/

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

My first e-book will be released from eTreasurespublishing.com about March 1. I'm working on rewrites of a paranormal romance that I wrote about 20 years ago. And have three other novels I want to rewrite. I also have ideas for 20 other novels that are in various stages of work.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

I want a print contract. I want to be the next Janet Dailey or the next Tom Clancy. I have 40 novels finished; have ideas for 20 more. I could make some agent RICH, if they would give me a chance to show them my work.

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

I usually write from about 9 am until about 4:30 pm, then watch TV with Phil until about 10 pm, then write for about 3 hours after that before I go to bed.


13.  Why do you write?

Whatever the Elusive Muse sends me-LOL. Seriously, I write science fiction, fantasy, romantic suspense and mysteries, and paranormal romance.


14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

My first genre fiction to read was Andre Norton. She doesn't write HARD science fiction but social science fiction. How does this character react taken out of their quiet boring life and put into a situation where they have to step up to the plate. (Cliché, I know but that's how it makes me feel). That's the kind of science fiction I write too.

15.  How do you define your writing?

Before today, basic story telling, but I went to a writer's workshop over the weekend and it inspired me. I began working at 9 am, as usual, but I didn't eat "breakfast" until almost 2:30 pm.

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

"She inspired me to go into writing."

Sharolyn Wells the details:

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

The only website I have available right now is www.myspace.com/shayk1951

I'm hoping to have something else before my e-book comes out.

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

Through myspace. I check it every day.

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

ALL of them? OK...if you want...Ready? Plymouth Colony II is the only book I have coming out within the next couple of months, but I have some I want to submit soon.

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

A love story. More than anything else. No matter what other situations I put my characters through, there will always be romance.

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 hope people enjoy my writing. I'm not trying to compete with anyone else. I think there's room for all of us. I don't write what you write and you don't write what I write. If we do write in the same genre, you might tell your stories differently than I do mine. But more than anything else, I want people to know that I love romance and all of my stories will have romance in them. And I hope that those who enjoy romance will enjoy my books.

 

Getting to Know Stefanie Holmes
Topic: Author Interview
Stefanie Holmes the person:

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

Caring, courageous, and understanding.

2. How do you think others would describe you? 

Sensible, good listener, and good advisor.

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

Children, nature, animals, and travel.

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

I have two cats, one dog, one parakeet, and a hamster.  The way I got my first cat Toby was in my front door step.  His feral mother cat dropped him off before I moved out of the apartment.  I nick- named the feral female cat Gypsy.  I fed her for three years, after I moved in the apartement.  She was really skinny, I felt so sorry for her.  I could perceive her fears and her tribulations as she lived feral in the midst of the neighborhood.  I wanted to adopt her as well, but she would not allow me to get close to her.  She thought about it for a minute, as I was chasing her to grab her.  She stood still, knowing I wanted her with me, but instead she ran with her insecurities instead.   She watched me pack and move away, I felt awful as I prepared to leave, there was a two week cinnamon tabby sitting on the mat waiting for me to take him, as his mother watched me take him in my arms.  It was bittersweet, I took the kitten and we left as she watched me cuddling Toby.  My second cat, was also a stray; she lived in a very bad neighborhood.  My mother took her in before someone would have the opportunity to hurt her.  Her name is Peterpan.  She is black and white and she has a small face with big green eyes and long white whiskers.  The way I got my dog, was also a similar situation.  Winston is a brindle bull mastif-mix.  I sometimes call him Houdini, because he runs away all of the time.  I recall seeing a briddle dog sniffing around the neighborhood, my daughter was outside pointing at the brindle dog.  I have never seen a dog that resembled an hyena, before.  He observed us for a while and wagged his tail and licked my daughters face.  My daughter played with him for awhile, I was watering the plants and offered him some water as well.  To make a short story long, we adopted him.  My daughter loves pararkeets and hamsters.  So I take care of her pocket pets as well.  The parakeet's name is Blue Angel, and the hamster's name is Fuzzy Wuzzy Hampie Doddle Dampy. 

5.   What is your most precious memory?

Meeting my first love.

6.    What is your most embarrassing memory?

Spilling my drink all over my date.

7.   In two paragraphs or less write your obituary. 

As life begins in a rhthm, death begins as a beginning of a different world, where your physical aura cannot enter, but the spirit is welcomed when the rhthm of life comes to pass.

Stefanie Holmes the Writer:

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

Yes, when I was 13 years old.  I had a passion to write fiction stories and poetry.

9.  Whst is going on with your writing these days? 

Writing my second book.

10.  What are your future goals for your writing?

 To write more and more.  To become a novelist.

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

Well, there are ups and downs, somedays the words flow without any effort.  Other day, I can't get motivated and I stew on what I want to bring to life in the book.

12.  Why do you write? 

I love it, writing down my thoughts.

13.  What writer most inspires you?

William Shakespeare.  Why? His romance always has drama, just like life.

14.  How do you define your writing? 

Romance with drama and happy endings.

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

She is witty.

Stefanie Holmes the details:

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

www.freewebs.com/betweenfineletters  Blog? Blogger, Penfiction, authorsden.

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

Coffee shops, book stores, libraries.

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

Broken Dreams

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

 Romance with paranormal activities and conflicts.

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 am a new writer and I hope to inspire to become a good writer.  I would like to reach the human heart and spirit.  Writing is a good way to express your information about the world around you.