Vietnam Air Rescues by Dave Richardson--A Review
Topic: Book Review

Dave Richardson set out to leave a record of his time in Vietnam for his sons.  Vietnam Air Rescues is the result of that endeavor.  It has, however, been made available for everyone, so that we might see what it was like to fly air rescue in the jungles of Vietnam.

Mr. Richardson has created an account detailing not only seven rescues he took part in, but also his view of the Vietnam War.  His down-to-earth writing style enables to envision the living and working conditions during this time period.  The details are related in a no nonsense style that relates the details without embellishment.  Mr. Richardson describes the events as he experienced them. 

While I would have liked to see more emotion in the relating, I can't say I was a bit disappointed, as Dave Richardson includes plenty of the smaller details that bring the scene to life.  These details, along with photographs taken by Mr. Richardson, will draw you into this book and keep you turning the pages.

For anyone who has an interest in history or the Vietnam War in particular, this is a must-read.  It isn't often we come across positive stories of this period in our history.  While so many have kept their memories hidden within, Mr. Richardson shares his freely, giving us a glimpse into how faith can bring a person through even the most horrifying of times.

Talking With Dave Richardson
Topic: Author Interview
 

Dave Richardson The Person:

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

No.

2.  Why helicopter rescue instead of some other branch of the military?

That's a very good question, and one that requires a bit of an answer.  When I was in the 7^th grade, I decided I wanted to become an Air Force pilot, retire and teach school and, believe it or not, that is what I did!

Naturally, when I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a fighter pilot, but I was delayed in entering pilot training (another long story) and began to realize how restrictive a fighter pilot's life is.  My wife, Kaye, introduced me to helicopters by purchasing me a ticket on a commuter helicopter.  Then, while on deployment to Turkey, I got a chance to fly with the helicopter unit there.

It was so much fun!  When I returned to the States, I switched my request to helicopters. While in helicopter training, I had the opportunity to choose between transport and rescue helicopters.  Since I had served in Civil Air Patrol as both an Aircraft Observer and Ground Team Commander on search and rescue missions, my inclination was with rescue.

Didn't matter.  Following graduation, I was assigned to haul VIP's around Washington D.C.  When I was alerted that I would receive orders to Vietnam (no I did not volunteer), I again had the choice between rescue and transport.  I choose rescue.

3.  Do you believe putting your experience in words helped your children understand who their father is better?

Yes, I think it helped. They not only got to hear about a part of my life that otherwise would have been closed to them, but all have actively helped in the publication of this book.

4.  If we find ourselves in such a situation again and one of your sons (or grandsons) wanted to follow in your footsteps, what would you say to them? 

Go for it!  Oddly enough, my 2^nd son did follow somewhat in my footsteps.  He was an Army helicopter pilot and flew in the Grenada conflict as well as both Gulf wars.  Two of the three times he flew as a Medevac pilot, retrieving wounded soldiers.

5.  Did your spiritual outlook change at any point during your time as a helicopter rescue pilot?  If so, would you care to elaborate?

No, I do not believe it changed.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9 years old and have attempted to follow Him to the best of my ability all my life.  When I was 29 years old, I was sent to Vietnam.  I did not hear any voices or anything like that, but I felt confident that the Lord would protect me when in danger and He certainly did!

6.  Knowing what all you went through, if given the choice to enter a different branch of the military, do you think you would or do you believe this was the one path you were meant to take?

No, I would not change to a different service.  I loved the Air Force and had a lot of fun while in it.  Without knowing all the reasons why, I do feel this was the path I was meant to take.

Dave Richardson The Writer:

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

I originally wrote this book as ‘eyes only' for my children.  Somehow, word got out and others began requesting a copy.  I was stunned to realize that anyone would be interested in what I had written for my children.  I suppose that is when I felt I was truly a writer.

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

Obviously, my book is out and available.  In addition to the print copy, readers can order it as a downloadable eBook; both of these can be done from my website:  http://www.vietnam-air-rescues.com/.  I will soon have the book available in audio format from the same website.  Visitors to the website can view many of the pictures contained in the book, plus short actual film clips of two of my rescues.  The book is now available in Kindle format at:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDMNYU.  I have a 30-minute power point presentation, which has been well received at a local civic club and the Historical Society.  I plan to advertise my services to speak at churches, civic clubs and the like in an effort to promote the book.

9.  What are your future goals for your writing?

At the moment, I have none.  Several individuals have asked if I plan to write any more books and my answer to date has been, "No".

10   Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I try to pick a time when I am fresh and not involved in other things; then ‘write up storm' for awhile; then quit and do something else.  Finally I review what I have just written and make corrections as they occur to me.

11.  Why do you write?

Originally, it was to leave a legacy for my children.

12.   What writer most inspires you?  Why?

I am a somewhat eclectic reader; always with an ‘emergency book' or two on hand, therefore, I find it difficult to pick a favorite writer.  My choice would vary, depending on the type of book I was describing.

13.  How do you define your writing?

I tried to be both factual and dispassionate in my writing.

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

His trust in the Lord while in difficult circumstances shines through as an object lesson to us.

Dave Richardson The Details:

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

http://www.vietnam-air-rescues.com/

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

vnrescues@xemaps.com

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

Vietnam Air Rescues

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

"Vietnam Air Rescues" comes in several parts.  Part 1 is my take on the history of the Vietnam War.  Part 2 gives general background on how the rescue system worked.  Part 3 presents the details of my 7 rescues.  Part 4 is a collection of 30+ anecdotes concerning things that happened to me apart from a particular rescue.  Part 5 is a summation of general topics.  Part 6 contains a final word. and Part 7 is a glossary of military jargon for the non-military minded.  Scattered throughout the book, at appropriate places, are over 100 photos, maps and drawings.

In conclusion:

19.  Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

My 2^nd son, Craig, (I have 4 sons), had tried for years to get me to put down in writing the stories I had related to them regarding my Vietnam experiences.  (Incidentally, he has followed somewhat in my footsteps by becoming an Army helicopter pilot who served in the Panama incursion as well as Gulf Wars 1 & 2.  He did Medevac [the Army version of rescue] in Panama and Gulf War 2.  By the way, I have forgiven him for being in the Army instead of the Air Force!)

I resisted his efforts until I received a preliminary account of the ‘Streetcar' rescue by Kenny Fields, the last guy I rescued.  I thought it might be fun to write a counterpoint narrative, telling the story from my point of view, and found it to be enjoyable.

That was when Craig and I began working in earnest on the project-I wrote the narratives and supplied the photos, while Craig did the maps and supporting documents.

All of my sons, David, Craig, Eric and Mark plus my wife, Kaye, have participated in one fashion or another during the creation of this book.

I am a Christian.  Decided while in the 7^th grade I wanted to attend college; become a pilot with the USAF; retire and teach school-that is what I have done.  (I flew a variety of helicopters and taught 8^th grade Mathematics.)  Wife and I are High School sweethearts.  We live on the shore of a small lake in rural Kansas. 

Vietnam Air Rescues--An Excerpt
Topic: Blog Tours

Over the River and Through the Woods…

   This rescue took place in November, 1967. Embarking on a 3 day alert trip up ‘North’, we took off early from NKP, planning to arrive at the daytime site (Lima 36) at first light. 

   As we were overflying the nighttime site (Lima 20A), however, my wingman announced he had hydraulic problems. 

   He stated he thought it was just the gauge, and that the limited maintenance available on the ground should be able to repair it in a few minutes. I advised him I planned to continue on alone to Lima 36.

   He reminded me that we were not authorized to fly single ship over enemy terrain, but I reasoned that he could catch up with me shortly, and as there was a heavy bombing laid on for the day, I wanted to be close to the action in case we were needed.

   Arriving at Lima 36 as dawn broke; I circled and buzzed the strip a few times. No one opened fire, so I figured that it still belonged to us. 

   I landed and we began to refuel from the fuel barrels. Not long after we had finished refueling and were assembled in the hut, we received a Mayday (emergency distress) call that an F-4 had been hit over Hanoi. We immediately scrambled and headed on an intercept course

   When the Sandy’s caught up with me, they inquired where the other helicopter was. I told them not to worry; he would join us shortly. 

   As we ‘homed in’ on the aircraft’s distress beacon, it became apparent that the pilot had headed WNW toward China, rather than SW away from China and toward Laos.

   This presented a problem. The United States was extremely worried at the time that China would find some excuse to intervene in Vietnam as they had in Korea. As a result, American aircraft were prohibited from flying near the Chinese border. Regardless, we continued to fly an intercept course toward the survivors.

   As we arrived in the vicinity of the Black River (the northern and western limit of air operations), we realized we would have to cross the river if we were to rescue the two pilots. The riverbank was heavily defended, so we decided to climb to 10,000 feet and “jink” (maneuver from side to side) and spiral down as we crossed it. The flak (anti-aircraft fire) was heavy, but all five aircraft (one helicopter and four fighters) managed to cross without incident. While we flew toward the area where the survivors were down, two of the Sandy’s sped ahead to reconnoiter the scene, while the other two stayed behind to protect me. 

   Lead Sandy established voice contact with the pilot, who said he was about 2/3’s of the way up a steep ridge, covered with razor grass. Because of the grass, he was not able to move. There was no contact with the back-seater.

   As I entered the area, I spotted a steep ridge, which was clear of trees but covered with tall grass. At the foot of the ridge was a small hamlet. I observed several military trucks parked there. Some soldiers were busy setting up what looked like anti-aircraft guns, while others were attempting to cut a path up the ridge to the survivor.

   Due to ROE (Rules of Engagement) restrictions, we were unable to open fire on them. I calculated we might have enough time to pick the pilot up before the ground troops reached him. At my instruction, the survivor popped his smoke. Now I knew exactly where he was on that ridge.

   I began to ease the helicopter close to the ridge, hoping to be able to establish a hover over him. It was tricky work. There were strong crosscurrents of wind, which bucked the helicopter around. What complicated matters was the necessity to hover with my rotor tips just a few feet from the steeply angled ridge in order to get over him. 

   I went into my hover mode, which consisted of entrusting all aircraft gauges and radios except Guard (emergency radio frequency) to my co-pilot, and blocking out everything else as I concentrated on holding the helicopter absolutely still while the hoist was being lowered.

   Out of the corner of my eyes, I could sense a brilliant, white light. What was that? Was the co-pilot shining a light in my eyes? That didn’t make any sense, yet the light was there. Since I was busy maintaining the hover, I resolved to forget about it. 

   It was vitally important that the helicopter not be allowed to move even as much as a foot in any direction, or we would risk dragging the survivor through the sharp grass or, worse yet, knock the rotor blades off against the ridge.

   Finally, the hoist reached the survivor and he began to climb onto the paddle seats. We had just begun lifting him off the ground when an enemy soldier rolled over the top of the ridge above me at a distance of about 75-100 feet. He aimed his AK-47 at us and began firing.

   ‘Feeling’ rather than hearing the bullets impacting the fuselage just below my seat, I yelled to the guys in the back that we were taking fire and transmitted the same message to the Sandy’s. 

   In the meantime, the enemy soldiers’ rounds (bullets) had continued to rise and tore into the rotor blades. The aircraft began to buck and jump as the blades lost their tracking stability. 

   At that time we flew our helicopters unarmed. Our only weapons were our personal M-16’s. My PJ leaned out the door past the Flight Mechanic, who was busy operating the hoist, and emptied his clip into the enemy soldier. Without a doubt, he saved my life.

   Our PJ was rather ‘gung-ho’, and had loaded his M-16 with straight tracer rounds. I saw a bright tongue of flame spurt from the cabin door and rip the head off the soldier, whose body tumbled down the ridge below me. 

   Due to the excessive vibration, I was barely able to hold the hover as we got the survivor on board. As soon as he was safely in the cabin, I pulled away from the ridge. The white light immediately snapped off.

   The Sandy’s, now freed of restrictions, were doing an enthusiastic job of obliterating the hamlet, along with the trucks and guns. The survivor called out that he thought his ‘back-seater’ was nearby, but we had more pressing problems on our hands. 

   The helicopter was vibrating. The vibration was so bad I seriously thought we might lose one of the blades. It was difficult to hold it steady as I turned toward home. Two of the Sandy’s accompanied me while the other two remained behind to complete their destructive work. 

   As we were limping along, one of the Sandy’s called out, “Don’t look now, but it appears you have a MIG (Russian jet fighter plane) at 6 o’clock (directly behind) and closing!” They both went back to engage the jet while we pondered our next move.

   The classic defense of a helicopter against a fixed-wing fighter is to head straight for your opponent and then autorotate (disengage the rotors and allow the helicopter to free fall). The high sink rate of autorotation, coupled with the jet’s rapid closure speed should make him steepen his dive angle until he has to break it off. Then the helicopter can play tag among the ground clutter. 

   That is the textbook theory, at any rate. I had never heard of anyone actually trying it, and I wasn’t about to be the first, not with the control problems we were encountering.

   We could see the MIG as a faint speck in the sky. I slid over into a cloudbank, hoping he didn’t have infrared missiles and would lose visual contact. We couldn’t stay in the clouds for very long. I knew that the peaks of nearby mountains were poking up into those clouds and didn’t want to smash into one of them.

   The helicopter was still bucking and shaking. I didn’t want to perform any violent maneuvers, as I wasn’t sure it would hold together. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, we dropped out of the cloud layer and anxiously scanned the sky... 

Return to Vietnam with Dave Richardson
Topic: Blog Tours
Over the next several days, we will be returning for a visit to Vietnam, with a man who experienced it first-hand.

Dave Richarson flew an air-rescue helicopter and wanted his sons to know what it was like. Vietnam Air Rescues was only supposed to be seen by family--the world is lucky it did not stay thhat way. Please stop by and read an excerpt from the book tomorrow and listen in as I interview Mr. Richardson on Thursday. You won't be disappointed.

Vietnam Air Rescues. This riveting book begins with the authors’ ‘Unauthorized History of the Vietnam War’; then continues to describe his life as a “Jolly Green” rescue pilot, picking up aircrew shot down in North Vietnam and Laos. Details of his 7 rescues of 9 men are included, as well as over 30 anecdotes relating to his experiences. You don't want to miss this one. It's profusely illustrated with more than 100 photos, maps and drawings.

More Fun Ahead!!
Topic: Miscellaneous

You guys are awesome!!!  I just checked stats and see you have stuck with me during my vacation.  Your loyalty will be rewarded over the coming weeks.

First, there will be at least three four-day blog tours here--some excellent books and authors, folks!!  In addition, a few book reviews are forthcoming.

We'll be meeting some real characters--literally!  An added feature of the blog will be character interviews from books you know and love--or will by the time I finish.

In addition, I'll be allowing the kids a chance to speak their minds.  Let's see what they really think of Mom and Dad being writers!!!

Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to ask of characters or kids!!!

The President's Parasite and Other Stories by Jim Musgrave--A Review
Topic: Book Review

Jim Musgrave has a unique style unlike anything I have ever read.  His short stories pack a great deal of meaning in a few words.  I found myself stopping, re-reading and questioning my ideas.  This book of stories includes something for everyone--they vary so greatly.  The one constant is their ability to take conventional "norms" and make the the reader think about them.

 As a writer, jim Musgrave has the ability to bring both his scenes and his characters right into your living room.  You know these people--you are these people.  For readers looking for an escape from reality, this may be what your are looking for--then again, you will also question what reality is--what you know, or what you are reading.

I look forward to reading more of Jim's work.

A Talk With Jim Musgrave
Topic: Author Interview
Jim Musgrave the person:

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

Creative, kind and intelligent.

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

Quiet, but when you get to know him, you like his sense of humor and his serious, creative mind.

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

Teaching, as this allows one to reach the young people of our future.  Unlike writing, you can have a direct influence on another human being.

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

The owner of our San Diego townhouse, Menasseh, a Blue Point Siamese, who is the living embodiment of my deceased father, Elvis Ray Musgrave.  Like my father, he will storm into your bedroom and wake you up at 6:30 AM.  Although his "Rise and shine," has been replaced by this strange-sounding bawl that sounds like a baby's cry.

5.  What is your most precious memory?

Following my first completely sober day, each moment has become precious, if I choose to see it clearly.

6.  What is your most embarrassing memory?

About twenty years of a drinking/drugging lifestyle.  It's all in my personal inventory that was cast out to the ocean waves, like my father's ashes.

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

I would probably be a really anxious reader who keeps telling himself, "Hey, I can do better than that!"

 8.  In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Here lies Jim Musgrave (a.k.a., Efraim Zimbalist Graves), a man who subscribed to the Absurdist School of Art, and who tried to raise the consciousness level of readers (whether they liked it or not).  In his family life, he wasn't an asshole as big as J. D. Salinger or Robert Frost, but he indeed had his selfish moments.

Jim Musgrave the writer:

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

I once wrote about our dysfunctional family when I was 14, and my step-mother found the vignettes, and she tore them up in front of my face and yelled at me.  That's certainly a Zen moment for a writer.

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

I'm getting published in the horror venue and in horror anthologies, so I guess I'm honing "the craft" in genre writing.  I like the new genre of "speculative fiction" as it allows one to cross-over genres without stepping on too many toes.  I am also working on two novels-one mystery and one horror/mythical.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

It would be nice to win a Stoker Award or some other "fair" contest, but writing is, in itself, its best reward when it's done right.

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

I am an obsessive-compulsive type character, so I tend to create in spurts.  It really doesn't matter about the time/place, although in my later years I tend to perform better in the mornings, although horror is often best written in the dead of night (go figure).

13.  Why do you write?

When I first heard Franz Kafka's answer, I wish I had said it.  "I write to keep from going insane."

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

All things considered, I would have to say Elmore Leonard is the most inspiring, as he keeps his own entertaining voice, and you can't really tell how old he is if you read his stuff!

15.  How do you define your writing?

I would call it "socio-political fiction" with a flavor of the artistic absurd (in the Albert Camus sense of the term).

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

These stories really showed that this guy cared about the condition of humanity.

Jim Musgrave the details:

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

Author's site:  http://www.contempinstruct.com/Horror/efraim_z_graves.htm

Blog:  Let There Be Blog!  http://www.efraimzgraves.wordpress.com/

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

jimmusgrave@contempinstruct.com

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

Lucifer's Wedding (horror)

Russian Wolves (political/horror)

Iron Maiden (Civil War novel)

Sins of Darkness (political/conspiracy)

The President's Parasite and Other Stories (short stories)

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

Think Thomas Harris versus James Patterson in my political horror.  I can shock a new reader sometimes with my realism.  However, if you stick with me, you can get something from every book I've written.

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?

The reason I like the World Wide Web is because it connects writers and readers in a way no other form of communication can do.  Every day, songs, books and even movies are erupting from the underground volcano that is the WWW, and nary an agent, publisher or other "middle man" is in sight!  In other words, the artist is in contact with his audience in a very direct and personal way.  To me, this is a sacred trust, and that's why I support things like the Internet Neutrality Act.  We can't let the corporate giants take over our last independent stronghold.  I have been stung by corporate publishing, and I have friends who were also burned by others in the music and film industries.  Independent artists (aren't we all, in essence, independent creators?) need to stick together.  I like to think that if I develop a following, these people will hang with me, through hell and high water, so we can form a symbiotic relationship and grow together.  For, in the long run, the writer is a teacher of sorts, and often the teacher must learn from the student.  What better way to do it than on the Internet?  I have approached some of the "big name" authors, and I simply get referred to their "handlers":  lawyers, administrative assistants, you know the drill.  However, there are other, more independent artists who can be relied upon to give feedback at a moment's notice.  I like to think my readers are like that:  honest friends.  Thanks for being here for me and other independent authors/publishers/artists.

The President's Parasite and Other Stories by Jim Musgrave
Topic: Blog Tours

In The President's Parasite, Jim Musgrave resurrects all that has gone missing in today's literature: originality. The title story is a Kafkaesque piece from the point-of-view of an intellectual tapeworm trapped inside a moronic president, and the satirical impact is worthy of Swift. The other stories range from a widower trapped inside the Clock Tower in Baghdad that he constructed, to a baseball pitcher who becomes a living vegetable after a batted ball strikes his head. All in all, there is something for everyone in this collection of 30 eye-popping stories from a truly gifted author.

For more information -

http://www.efraimzgraves.wordpress.com

http://www.contempinstruct.com/books/product_page/full_page/ec1.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Parasite-Jim-Musgrave/dp/0977650367

 Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Jim Musgrave's book. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of President's Parasite. Share your thoughts and comments with author Jim Musgrave. He will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win his book - if you haven't already read the book, visit Jim's website to order a copy - http://presidentsparasite.wordpress.com/.

 

A Visit With Jim Musgrave
Topic: Blog Tours

 We will be visiting with author Jim Musgrave over the next few days.  Please read the details of Jim's book giveaway and make sure you get your comments in!!

Jim Musgrave is an award-winning writer and college instructor who lives in San Diego, California. He’s published four novels and one collection of short fiction, and his stories have been published in many literary magazines and ezines, including: Shroud Anthology, Beneath the Surface: 13+ Shocking Tales of Terror (recommended for Bram Stoker Award, 2008), Sniplits Audio Short Stories 2 Go, Stone Magazine, and many others.

For more information -

http://www.efraimzgraves.wordpress.com

http://www.contempinstruct.com/books/product_page/full_page/ec1.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Parasite-Jim-Musgrave/dp/0977650367

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Jim Musgrave's book. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of President's Parasite. Share your thoughts and comments with author Jim Musgrave. He will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win his book - if you haven't already read the book, visit Jim's website to order a copy - http://presidentsparasite.wordpress.com/.

A Visit With Lanaia Lee
Topic: Author Interview
 1.   What three words best describe you?

Three words: stubborn, determined, and head strong

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

Ancient history, especially Mayan and Egyptian mythology

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

Oh yes, I have a three month old cocker spaniel, named D. J., named for my husband, David. D. J. stands for David Junior. I recently had a seven year old Jack Russell Terrier named Jack, by my Japanese step-mother, Jack was diabetic and died May 19th, so my husband got me D. J. for my anniversary.

4.     What is your most precious memory?

The most precious memory I have is from 1964, when my mom took me to the World's Fair in New York City. This is a very precious memory because in 1965 she died, and I was only eight.

5.   What is your most embarrassing memory?

When I was five, my grandmother took me to the grocery store, she yelled " Fire", them ran leaving me in the grocery aisle, all by myself, when everyone came running and all they saw was me. My grandmother was in the adjacent aisle laughing.

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

All I want to be is happy; what ever would make me happy
 

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

I have been writing for about 5 years now, about four years ago, I woke up and the only thing on my mind was writing, that was all I could think about, so that's when I knew, I was destined to be a writer.

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

I am working on the final book of my fantasy series Of Atlantis, then I have 4 more novels planned with my publisher, A, G. Press, as well as a poetry book ever so often. I signed a life time contract with them

9.  What are your future goals for your writing?

I want to see Of Atlantis go to the big screen. Almost every one knows Atlantis, but my books are unique, as the story idea, has never been done before.

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

I do my best writing when David and D. J. are asleep. I get up before they do, then I can write before they get up. I write a poem a day, so I don't become bogged down. I try to write a passage in my series each day; right now I'm a year ahead of myself.

11.   Why do you write?

I write mainly because it is a passion, also having no children, I always wanted to leave a part of myself behind, I couldn't do it through my children, but I can through my writing.

12.     What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Edgar Allan Poe, he was a genius.  He also wrote short stories, poetry and novels, just like me. Poe and I had a lot in common the way the coarse of our lives ran.

13.   How do you define your writing?

I don't want to sound conceited but some once told me I was the product of what you get when you mix Robert Browning with Edgar Allan Poe. That was the best compliment, I ever had.

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

I want to be synonymous with Of Atlantis, like George Lucas is with Star Wars or Gene Roddenbury is with Star Trek

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

http://lanaiaslair.com/   (sign my guest book)

http://lanaialee.wordpress.com/

www.myspace.com/lanaialee

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

I am pretty much always on line writing, promoting, etc.  e-mail me at lanaia74@yahoo.com

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

Out now one book of poetry Within the Garden of Lanaia's Darkness and Of Atlantis volume one

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

My books contain a little of something for everyone. My poetry, even though dark, is not blood and gore, I don't consider that a art. My poetry is like the horror movies of the 30's and 40.s, just plain scary. Now Of Atlantis is my baby, it's a lot of my own personal opinions in this series. They will take you on a ride, escaping from this terror filled world, if only for a short time.

19. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I would like everyone to know, I am just a person like everyone else, even though I travel on wheels instead of legs. I am a very strong woman that has survived a lot. Give my writing a chance, read it and just like everyone that reads it, they say they are hooked. I hope my books, and the story of my life, there will be something for everyone. And thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I hope I gave you some in sight into Lanaia Lee and Of Atlantis.