Awesome Author: Interview with LM Preston, (Bandits, The Pack, Explorer-X Alpha)

This really Awesome Author we are featuring today is a big sci-fi fan and has written some really exciting sci-fi books for young adults.  Read on and find out about Ms. LM Preston, as she talks about her newest book, Bandits, being an engineer (wow!), and the influence her daughters has lent to her books.

 

Ms. Preston is actually the first author to offer me a print ARC!  I read and reviewed Bandits which I thought could become a really cool video game (to all video game developers:  hint, hint!).  I loved the story and the really fantastic world she has created in the story.

Why sci-fi?

Truthfully, it's all that comes out of me. It allows me to break down the boundaries of real life and create a world completely and utterly my own. I'm an engineer and I build amazing systems that do really cool things, but it's a tedious process and I rarely ever see projects that I've started to completion. However, when I write a sci-fi novel, my creations come to life.

Bandits is filled with these strange, fascinating creatures and places.  How did you come up with them?

Bandits is truly a book I've wanted to write for a long time. My son asked me to write a pirate book and I was excited because I knew I could get really gritty and creative with it. The world I created in Bandits is based on my love for Hawaii and all the wondrous things I've seen while visiting there. Of course I added my own twist born from my love of horror, sci-fi, twisted tales, fantasy and all kinds of things from my previous nightmares. It took me a month to sketch places together from my pictures in Hawaii. Funny thing is, Nickel's journey in the dark water cave came from my own personal experience touring water caves with my daughter - and let me tell you, I got as freaked out as Nickel did.

You seem to have a bit of a soft spot for Nickel.  Is he based on any real person you know?

Well, I'd say Nickel has distinct characteristics of my youngest daughter. Nickel is extremely loyal, hopeful and always sees the good in others. My youngest daughter is actually his age. Shhh, don't tell her.

What is your favorite sci-fi book and movie, and why?

My favorite sci-fi book is I AM ROBOT, the movie just didn't do it justice. Also, the Star Ship Trooper series is another. My favorite sci-fi movie is ALIENS (the second one).

When you were younger, did becoming a writer come up in your future plans?  Like, "I want to become a writer when I grow up."?  If not, what did you dream of becoming?

Actually, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. However, I wrote all of the time. I loved writing poetry, short stories, snarky diary commentary and songs.

Do you have any strange rituals that you have to do before writing?

Oh, I have no rituals. I wish I did. Now eating chocolate - very bad habit, but I usually nibble on some while writing. I do have this weird habit of typing with my eyes closed so I stay in the story.

How do you deal with negative reviews?

Negative reviews - let me just say, I'm an engineer. As an engineer I stand up in front of quite a few people weekly and let them rip my designs apart. It's even harder taking negative reviews in person, but the years of doing it have taught me to sift through the mean words to find nuggets to help myself improve. Also, I remind myself that it was 'negative' reviews that made me curious enough to pick up my first Harry Potter book :-D

What do you love most about writing?

Writing relaxes me. When I was younger I used to pretend I was someone else many times. I love writing because for the time I'm in the story I feel as though I'm able to switch bodies, places, and abilities with someone completely different.  It's the most freeing experience I can imagine.  

There is a generalization that sci-fi fans are also techno and gadget geeks (is this really true?).  What is one gadget you are most proud of and could not live without?

As a sci-fi fan I am a bit of a gadget geek. Since my day gig is an Engineer. My favorite gadget that is a real life geeky gadget is my nook.

A fire broke out in your house's kitchen, what is the first thing you will save?

Nothing, I'd run.

The fire now reaches your library.  What are five books you will save?

My Stephen King and Dean Koontz books.

Before we wrap up this interview, any message for your readers?

Remember, your destiny is what you make it. In life you get lot's of 'No's' but you have the power to make your own YES! That's what I try to convey through my writing. I'm a product of that and I know if I can make my own yes, anyone can. 
 

Thank you so much for doing this interview, LM!

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To find out more about LM, check her out on the following websites:

LM Preston Official Website
Facebook
Twitter

Blogger Blog

Wordpress Blog

Awesome Author: Interview with Richard L. Mabry, M.D. (Diagnosis Death, Prescription for Trouble Series)

We've got a new interview with a great writer, Richard L. Mabry, M.D., the genius behind the Prescription for Trouble series.  Awesome Author is where I do interviews with writers of some of my favorite books, and some of the most fabulous authors out there!

Today is a very special day for Richard as it's the release date for the newest book off his medical thriller series, Prescription for Trouble.  Diagnosis Death is about a young doctor who gets embroiled in a series of deaths of critically-ill patients.  So to celebrate this great day, I am going to treat you to an awesome interview with this awesome author.

 

The idea to interview authors was formed when one author commented on a review I posted on my blog and apparently, he liked it so much that it gave me the courage to ask some of my favorite authors to do an interview.  And do you know which writer I was referring to above?  It's none other than the one we're interviewing today!  I read the third book in his Prescription for Trouble series, Diagnosis Death.  His books, though in a series, can be perfectly read on its own, but to appreciate it more, you'd be better off reading the other books as well.  He writes mostly medical thrillers and if you read my review of Diagnosis Death, you'll definitely get hooked and would want to read the rest of the books.  Diagnosis Death is going to be released today so go get yourself a copy now!

 

Let's hear it for Richard L. Mabry M.D.! 


Tell us about your books. 

My first book was a non-fiction one, The Tender Scar:  Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers, 1996), written after the death of my first wife. As I tried to learn the craft of writing preparatory to putting that book together, several authors of Christian fiction encouraged me to try my hand there. After four years spent writing four novels that garnered forty rejections, I finally hit on the particular type of fiction—what I call “medical suspense with heart”—that I enjoyed writing and people seemed to like.  Diagnosis Death, the third of the four-book Prescription For Trouble series, will be released about April 1. 

What made you decide to use mercy killing as a topic in Diagnosis Death? 

A physician whom I know, practicing in another city, was accused of euthanasia about the time I started writing the book. I intended to include the decision of a family to discontinue life support in the novel, because I’ve been there myself and know the emotional trauma that goes with it. I put the two together, and that was the beginning of Diagnosis Death. 

How were you able to come up with such effectively frightening events in the book?  The phone calls, the little messages, they were all so very simple but equally scary.

Some of my friends—Brandilyn Collins, for example—write what I call “sleep with the lights on suspense.” I prefer to make my novels “sleep with the lights off suspense,” so I try to include things that are worrisome and even dangerous, but not likely to cause nightmares. Where do I get the ideas? I suppose I just follow the advice of Donald Maass: think of the worst thing that could happen to your protagonist, then make it even worse.

What do you do when you are experiencing writer’s block? 

There are two types of writers: those who admit they run up against a dead end in their writing and those who’ll lie about it. Seriously, all writers run dry at times. For me, I put the work aside and do something else not related to writing. My favorite activity at these times is reading the work of some of my favorite writers, not to steal their ideas but to relax my own mind. Quite often I’ll awaken in a day or so with the solution that gets me past my block. Stephen King calls this “Letting the boys in the basement work.” And it’s worked for me. 

What is one book that you think everybody should read? 

The Bible. If you mean a book that will be meaningful for readers, I was deeply touched by my colleague Christa Allan’s novel, Walking On Broken Glass, a sensitive work that deals with alcoholism. For writers, I have a two-foot section in my bookcase devoted to books on writing, and there’s no dust on any of them. For fun, writers should read Lawrence Block’s Telling Lies For Fun And Profit. For the craft of fiction, start with James Scott Bell’s Plot and Structure. 

What do you love most about writing?

I began to write fiction because it gave me a reason to get up in the morning after I retired from medicine. I still go to work in the morning, but my commute is down the hall to my office with a cup of coffee, and I can work in my bathrobe if I want to.

What do you love least about writing?

Deadlines, especially when you hustle to meet them and then the publisher drags their feet with the publishing process. Bad reviews, and believe me, they come—I learned early on not to get too high or too low after reading reviews.  People who say, “You know, I may write a book myself.” Good luck, and let’s see how long you stay at it. Conversely, my hat is off to those who do produce one book, then two and three. They can call themselves writers, not wannabes.

What do you do before writing?

Do you have a ritual that you must do every time before you write? Not really, at least not before I write. Once I start, I go back and read the preceding chapter I wrote, editing it as I go. That way, I get back into the flow of the story, and there’s less editing to do at the end of the story.

When are you able to write best, mornings or evenings?

Mornings, definitely. If I try to write in the evening, I find it difficult to sleep, while writing in the morning makes me feel better about being productive that day. Evenings are family time with Kay, often watching a movie on DVD or recorded sitcoms.

When you were younger, did you ever see yourself as a writer?  If not, what did you see yourself doing in your age right now?  If yes, did you picture yourself writing these medical thrillers or you used to favor other genres?

I never pictured myself as a writer, not even of medical papers or medical textbooks, although I ended up authoring over a hundred of the former and writing or editing eight of the latter. Then again, the circumstances that got me into writing weren’t on my horizon at that time, either. I’ve read thrillers, suspense novels, and police procedurals all my life, but avoided medical mysteries the same way I avoided medical dramas on TV, figuring I got enough of that in my practice.

What advice can you give for amateur writers?

Learn the craft, and never stop learning it. Practice writing, have it read by someone who knows what they’re talking about it, edit it, and write some more. Editors tell me it takes writing three novels before authors start to “get it.” Don’t give up. Persistence pays.

What advice can you give younger doctors and nurses? 

I presume you mean as regards writing. To answer, I’ll cite my friend, colleague, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Michael Palmer. He knew Dr. Robin Cook from the time of their medical training, and when Robin’s classic novel, Coma , was published, Michael decided, “If Robin can write one, I can, too.” It wasn’t that simple, but he persevered and was eventually published. Turn that one around a bit. “If Richard Mabry (or Harry Krause or Candace Calvert) can write a book, I can, too.” If that’s what you want to do, start right now. It can be done. 

Thank you very much Richard for doing this interview!

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You can learn more about Richard Mabry at his website and follow him on his blog.

    



 

Awesome Author: Interview with Steve Piacente (Bella)

This new author that I interviewed I met quite unexpectedly.  I am sure you already know how I got to snag Bella from a book giveaway, but what I have not yet told you is along with the book, I was also able to develop a friendship with its awesome author, Steve Piacente.

Steve is very down to earth and has a lot of zeal, especially in promoting his book that is as equally awesome as its author.  Read my review of Bella for proof.  This is what I enjoy most in blogging about books:  I not only get to read amazing stories, I also get to make friends with lots of people, bloggers and authors, who have very interesting personalities and are very eager to share their love for reading and creating stories.

 

Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know yet. 

The Bella self-publishing project is very much a family affair.  One of my daughters designed www.getbella.com, and her boyfriend coded it. His brother is an artist who drew the sketches that accompany the excerpts. My older daughter is in public relations and helped write our press releases, and my wife has come up with some great marketing ideas, like our “message in a bottle.” See: http://www.getbella.com/travels-with-bella/

What made you decide to write a story that revolves around the Pentagon and the military? 

I’m going to disagree slightly with the premise of the question. To me, the story revolves around the relationship between Bella and Dan. I was less interested in the military backdrop than the ethical decisions that drive the action, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom. I have always been fascinated by actions people take when they think no one is watching. 

You wrote this book and published it yourself as well.  What made you decide to go indie, and how did the self-publishing process go? 

There used to be just one way to enter  the literary castle. You wrote your book, wooed the agents, and hopefully landed one who could get you a publisher. If you didn’t get the agent, you didn’t get into the castle, plain and simple. Technology’s changed the landscape, to my mind for the better. We self-published Bella and are in the process of getting it before average people without the help of any middlemen. That means real people will decide if the novel is worth reading. That said, an author takes on a big challenge when he or she moves from creative writing to creative marketing. We have taken on that challenge by crafting a web site www.getbella.com that features a video trailer, an interactive reader map, and illustrated excerpts. We are also well represented on Facebook - please friend us:   http://on.fb.me/bellaFB -  YouTube and Twitter. Finally, I am writing a how-to blog on self-publishing (Back Story) that tells how we’ve reached this point. The most recent post features a TV interview that was actually a lot of fun: http://www.getbella.com/can-we-talk/ 

When you decide to write another book, are you going to self-publish again? 

I’m having a lot of fun so far, and it’s been a wonderful challenge, but I’m going to reserve judgment on that one for the time being. 

Do you personally know any real-life version of Bella?  If yes, did you ever – at anytime you’ve known such person – think that you would be using her for a character in a future book? 

Over a long reporting career, I covered several tragic events, including the murder of Adam Walsh in Hollywood. I have always been interested in how people respond to profound grief – in the Walsh case, parents John and Reve channeled their grief into action by lobbying the state legislature in Tallahassee to pass tougher child protection laws. Others in similar situations became very withdrawn and shunned the spotlight. The Bella character is a mix of people like this that I covered during my reporting days. 

How were you able to balance your writing with other aspects of your life? 

It’s tricky, because inspiration strikes at the oddest moments. I like to write in the early morning, while it’s still quiet and peaceful. That’s not always possible. In the end, I think it comes down to being organized and a bit disciplined. 

Scenario:  A fire broke out in your house’s kitchen.  What is the first thing you will save? 

Assuming everyone’s out of the house, I would save the picture of my wife and myself, taken more than three decades ago when we were in our teens. 

The fire now reaches your library.  What are five books you will take with you on your way out? 

That’s easy. We don’t have a library. If we did, however, I would snag: The Shipping News by Annie Proulx, American Pastoral by Philip Roth, Rabbit at Rest by John Updike, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. 

Will we ever see your reporter Dan Patragno in another novel? 

Yes - In one of his first assignments, rookie reporter Dan stumbles on a decades-old secret. It began simply enough - two boys were planning to sneak a few beers in the woods. They knew to be careful; 1959 was no year for underage black kids to get caught drinking in rural South Carolina. Before the first sip, they came to a clearing. A black man was on his knees, surrounded by white men in robes. One shed his mask – the local judge. One boy bolted. The other, Ike Washington, froze. Dan learns that Judge Mac McCauley weighed things in that moment and offered young Ike a choice; join the man about to die, or begin hustling the black support McCauley needed to advance in state politics. In trade, Ike would enjoy a life of power and comfort. Decades later, with Dan on the story, McCauley is a U.S. senator and Ike is poised to become the first black congressmen from South Carolina since Reconstruction. Instead, he winds up in the same forest where the hanging took places years earlier, a long rope in hand. The night is noisy, but all Ike hears is the name his rivals have bestowed upon him: Bootlicker. Our plan is to publish Bootlicker, the prequel to Bella, in late 2011. 

Thank you so much for joining us, Steve! 

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For an added treat, watch the trailer for Bella by Steve Piacente:

Take a look at some amazing illustrated excerpts of the book here. For more info on Steve Piacente and his book, you can  find him on: 

The official website of Bella

Steve on Facebook

Bella on Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

News:  Steve will be on Book Expo America (BEA) in New York in May.  If you are attending that event, you can catch him in a booth on Writer's Row at Jandis Center, they will be giving away Bella bookmarks!  And his book will be sold at a special expo price of USD 10.00.

Awesome Author: Interview with Haresh Daswani (Evolution of Insanity)

We're back for another Awesome Author Interview!  This time, I am featuring someone I met through Goodreads, gave me a copy of his book to read and review - which I think is awesome - and whom I asked for an interview. 

It's none other than Haresh Daswani!  Read my book review of Evolution of Insanity, his first book, and you would understand why I am so excited about this interview.  He has actually done a guest post and shared his 10 Good Things on a Monday where he listed ten things that make him happy.

 

Upon further research, I found that although he's unmistakably from India, he lives in the Philippines, a kababayan - fellow countryman, we'd say.  So without further ado, I would like to present to you, Haresh Daswani!

Tell us about your book

This is my first book compilation. I have poetries which have yet to be compiled, but it is something that would be done on a later date, more importantly, only if my current book gets good sales  :)

I do have plans to write a book on Shaivism, which will be more in an essay form. I want to depict Shaivism as an open source spirituality, not bound by “only this God will save”, but by imparting universal knowledge that can be shared by anyone of any faith, kinda like Buddhism as well.

What was the inspiration that made you decide to write Evolution of Insanity?

My friends have been telling me “you should make that a book”, but it was only when Romana gave in a lot of effort to help out that made me realize that perhaps it should be a book. Meeting her was also of the weirdest coincidences.

The book is a compilation of 5 years worth of hobby writing. Some of the stories there were written in 10 minutes, some would take 30 minutes, but they are all generally fast pieces.

How did you prepare yourself before you began writing Evolution of Insanity?

I zone out. I get random inspirations that starts off with the first line, and grow it from there. I do not plan my stories, I just let it be. In fact, I do not know what I have written until I have finished. I also do not edit or correct anything I write.

What is your reading guilty pleasure?

I like whatever is most twisted, intelligent twists. I prefer British over American writing but Palahniuck, O’rourke, and Sedaris are still in my top writers. Their books have been my sins.

What do you do before writing?  Do you have a ritual that you must do every time before you write?

I tune into Thievery Corporation or some of my songs. I have the weirdest song choices for which I sync in with the running melody.

Who is one writer that you really look up to?

Gabriel Garcia Marquez for his humor, his maturity, his craft, and his intelligence. I believe any writer should aspire his highly evolved writing state.

What is one book that you think everyone should read?

Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuck would usually come first to mind, because CEO of the Sofa will not be as appreciated for its views by many.

How do you deal with negative reviews?

I already know that my pieces are not meant for everyone. But at the very least, those who appreciate my pieces are the type of people I keep as friends. My book is definitely not everyone’s cup of cake for it can have some very disturbing points, and I accept that fact.

If you were given the opportunity to become a character in any book, which book would it be and which character would you play?

I’ve always wanted to be Hannibal Lecter.

What advice can you give amateur writers?

Enjoy writing, play around and discover your talent. Do not write to please others, write to express thoughts, and instill values others may pick up. After all, we are all obliged to share the knowledge we have gathered, and let such knowledge continue its evolution.

Thank you so much for joining us, Haresh! 


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For more info on Haresh Daswani and his writings, you can  find him on: 

Haresh on Goodreads

Haresh's Blog 
Haresh on WritersCafe.org
Haresh on The National Free Press 
Haresh on Augusta Free Press 

Twitter 

Facebook

10 Good Things on a Monday: Awesome Author Edition

10 Good Things on a Monday is a weekly feature  I am doing dedicated to every person's compulsive list-writing.  Every Monday we are going to make a list of 10 things that will cheer us up and help tide us over the whole week.

<a href="http://buoyreading.blogspot.com/search/label/good%20things" target="_top"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZLJhw831LIwGjiA8RrpkyCa2Kw0vJ-MCDZ92vwi4is-CRlAzDfrov1rTTH16ntcfHxERkDFchxdM-bLazZ6g9M8tSP4JfsgI1z6BjiHzILQVknmvbcSdG9PpCXAdG9SZ1LU5PvsKPpM/s1600/10.JPG" border="0" /></a>

Here's how it works:

1. Think of a particular group of good things you want to make a list on, does not necessarily have to be about books, e.g. your current book wish list, or your favorite book foods (you know, foods you love to eat while reading, if you're like me), or your favorite girly names, whatever you can think of, as long as it makes you feel good.
2. If you have no ideas for a list, you can always visit my blog post to check out my theme for that week and you can take a cue from my list.
3. Post your list on your blog, grab that cute ARGH button above and put it on your post too, so we'd know you're doing this meme.
4. Leave the link for your post on my own 10 Good Things post for the week, if you see others doing it, comment too and let's share our good things with everybody.
5. Everybody goes through the whole week happy!

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This week, I am bringing you a really awesome treat.  Not only am I giving you ten good things that are sure to cheer you up, the list would be from a really awesome author, Haresh Daswani who wrote Evolution of Insanity.  Remember him?  I wrote this book review of his book and I am also going to feature an interview with him.  Stay tuned for that interview but for now, go on and take a look at ten things that make Haresh happy:

1. Dancing Queen by Abba – I usually hear this in new year parties and it cheers me up every time
2. Yogurt and CHEESE (all types of cheese, as there has to be lots of cheese)
3. My meditation Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) makes me calm and happy all the time (works like a miracle)
4. Watch an episode of Monty Python
5. My environmental advocacy keeps me smiling too
6. Watch Jimmy Carr, Mitch Hedberg, or Frankie Boyle on Youtube
7. Listen to the song Bahon Mein Chalein Aaon, Chura Liya, and other 1950s oldies on youtube
8. Eating all the strawberries I can get
9. Figuring out the most devious prank I can pull off to someone completely unsuspecting (I am not as liked by some people)
10. Write articles for National Free Press, Augusta Free Press, or anyone in general.

So there you go, I hope this helps you get to know him better and stay tuned for his interview! 

Have a great week!

Awesome Author: Interview with Alex Marestaing (Izzy's Popstar Plan)

Just when you thought things in the book industry could not get any better, another author dares to go where no author has gone before.  Write a Christian fiction book?  No.  Write a young adult daily devotional book?  Close, but no.  Write a young adult Christian fiction book?  No, it's way better.  Write a 3D young adult Christian fiction/daily devotional book series?  Now you're talking.  Christian young adult books have never looked this good.  Thanks to Mr. Alex Marestaing!

I was able to receive a copy of Izzy's Popstar Plan through Booksneeze in exchange of a review.  I was not really expecting anything but when I read it, it was awesome!  I bet any person would love to read it too.  Check out my book review of Izzy's Popstar Plan to know what I'm talking about.

 

Now, not only do I get to share to you a really awesome book, I can now introduce you to its equally awesome author.  Read on and find out more about Alex!

Tell us something about yourself that nobody knows yet. 

Well, I’m sure my family already knows this, but I am totally into Japanese candy.  I tried some on a trip to Tokyo a few years ago and I was hooked. I sometimes drive long distances to Japanese markets in the Los Angeles area just to get a hold of some. Since the labels are usually in Japanese, I have to find my favorites by looking at the pictures on the wrappers. 

Tell us about all your books.

My latest book series is called Izzy's Pop Star Plan.  It's the story of a songwriting California teen, Izzy, who gets to travel the world as she competes in a contest called The International Pop Star Challenge. The books in the series are unique in that they're written in blog form. Each post tells more of Izzy’s story and includes a “My Heart” section where she shares some of her favorite Bible verses.

            

 

The fun part about the series is that it's what I call a book series in "3D". It has a web component that includes music, “bonus” blogs, and videos where readers can watch Izzy as she travels, interviews top Christian music artists, or just hangs out around her Hollywood home. 

What was your inspiration that made you decide to write Izzy's Popstar Plan? 

I used to be a musician, and, every once in a while, I still write music. One day while I was playing, a song came to me and from that song came the idea for my character, Izzy, a sixteen year-old musician trying to make it in the Hollywood music scene. Of course this new character needed a book, and that’s when Izzy’s Popstar Plan was born.

My two preteen daughters were watching a lot of Disney Channel shows such as Jonas and Hannah Montana at the time. For the most part, I have no problem with those shows. They’re full of music and creative energy, but overall the characters can be pretty shallow. So in Izzy’s Popstar Plan I wanted to create a teen that was creative, deep thinking, and more of a role model for my two daughters. I like the way Izzy turned out, definitely not Hannah Montana. 

Did you have any difficulty writing through a young girl's point of view?  How were you able to provide a consistent and very believable female voice for Izzy? 

That’s a great question. It definitely wasn’t easy writing from this perspective. I have two preteen daughters and hanging out with them helped in a big way. I think what really helped though is that I usually didn’t think of myself as writing from a girl’s point of view. I was writing from a human’s point of view. Whether male or female, we all share a lot of the same hopes, fears, and heartaches, and focusing on those things helped kept the story believable. In fact, I recently got a message from a reader who thought that Izzy was a real girl. I guess that’s a compliment.   

One character that stood out to me in your book was one of the International Popstar Challenge judges, Marshall Philips.  If he were real, what would you like to say to him? 

Marshall Phillips is basically a symbol of intolerance. He’s afraid that Izzy’s faith will offend viewers of the show, so he basically tries to shut her down. Like most conflicts, the problems he causes allow Izzy’s faith to mature and eventually shine even brighter.

The real life Marshall Phillips of this world usually aren’t good listeners, but, if he were listening, I would ask him, “What are you so afraid of?"  

Izzy appeared to be close enough to her father that she was confident enough to give him access to her personal blog.  How do you as a father maintain your closeness with your children?  Did you ever experience feeling left out on your children’s lives? 

I absolutely adore my three children, and I would never want there to come a day where we weren’t close. But maintaining that closeness isn’t always easy, especially in the middle of writing a book series. Izzy took a lot of time to write since there were so many pieces to put together. There were books to write, actresses to audition, videos to film, music to record, and I started growing concerned about the amount of time the project was taking me away from my kids. Without time, time to listen and share in their lives, I knew that that closeness would begin to fade. 

At that point, I realized I needed to do something, so I decided to start taking each of my kids out to Starbuck’s individually once a week. Those nights with my kids gave me serious one on one time, where we could touch base and stay close.  

What do you do when you are experiencing writer’s block? 

Rest, listen to music, get inspired again, and always keep writing. 

So far, your books seem to be doing well and gained mainly positive reviews.  How do you deal with negative reviews?  

Criticism is a normal part of the writing process, and it's something I've gotten used to.  During the editing process, a book is critiqued and taken apart piece by piece, so, by the time a novel hits bookstores, an author is ready for whatever review may come. If a writer has an open mind, he/she can learn a lot from positive as well as negative reviews. 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so negative reviews haven't really bugged me yet, though I'm sure if the majority of my reviews were negative, I would begin to panic. That being said, what bothers me most about some negative reviews is when I can tell a reviewer hasn't read the book. They've maybe scanned a few pages, enough to write something, but never really went past that.  Izzy's Popstar Plan is a lot deeper than the cover or title implies, so if they don't go past the first few pages they've missed the whole point. 

What do you love most about writing? 

I love the beginning of a project, when an idea just pops out of nowhere, and you begin to scribble pieces of sentences and paragraphs. Then there’s the thrill of having your idea signed by a publisher. Knowing that your ideas will be shared with others around the world is an amazing feeling. The best part though, the absolutely best part of all, is when a life is somehow touched by the words you have written. That’s when you realize that all the hard work involved in writing a blog entry, article or book has been worth every minute. 

What is your reading guilty pleasure? 

Okay, I know this doesn’t sound very deep, but I still love reading comics. They’re fun, fast, colorful, and don’t take a lot of brain power to finish. 

Who is one writer that you really look up to? 

Definitely C.S. Lewis, the author of the Chronicles of Narnia series. I love the way his work has captured the hearts of readers from several generations. I also appreciate the way he wove what was most precious to him, his faith in God, into his books without being preachy about it. He let the story tell itself and that made the message rise to the surface naturally…more powerfully. 

What advice can you give amateur writers?  

Other than simply write, write, and write some more, I would tell a writer starting out to be brave enough to be honest.  Heartfelt honesty allows readers to share in your  heartaches and triumphs and audiences appreciate that. 

Charlotte's Web author, E.B. White, once said, "I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all," and I definitely agree.  It takes real courage to write great literature, literature that is honest and vulnerable.  Readers appreciate emotion, weakness, and a candid sharing of "I can't figure life out sometimes".  They appreciate it because, as  fellow humans, that's who they are.  So be honest, and others will honestly appreciate your work.  

Thank you so much for joining us, Alex! 

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For more info on Alex Marestaing and his books, you can  find him on:   

Alex Marestaing's Blog   

Izzy' Popstar Plan Book Website

Izzy's Popstar Plan Book Tour and Book Trailer

Twitter 

Facebook

Awesome Author: Interview with Elizabeth Atkinson

Another Awesome Author is in the house!  Let us all welcome and get to know Elizabeth Atkinson, writer of I, Emma Freke as she talks about her books, playing with names, and a real bead shop that featured prominently in her fabulous new novel.  

 

I read I, Emma Freke (book review here) through NetGalley and I knew it would be one of those books I would forever remember.  And why not?  The title itself is very memorable and hilarious, which made me curious to know about its author. 

And now, that curiosity has finally yielded results.  Ladies, gentlemen, and little monster ARGH, let's hear it for Elizabeth Atkinson!

Tell us about all your books

I’ve published four books so far. From Alice to Zen and (recently) I, Emma Freke (both Lerner Publishing) are tween novels. And I’ve published two non-fiction books: Monster Vehicles (Capstone Press) and GLEE! An Easy Guide to Gluten-Free Independence (Clan Thompson LLC) So far, EMMA, has won a gold medal Moonbeam award, is due to be released on Recorded Books this week, and foreign rights have been purchased by a French and a Turkish publisher!

What was your inspiration that made you decide to write I, Emma Freke?

My inspiration for Emma’s story was a location.  I live near a beautiful ocean-side harbor town called Newburyport. The city has done a fabulous job preserving its historical New England character, which includes a charming old corner building that currently houses a bead shop. I have always been fascinated by this cozy locale, and have often wondered who lived in the apartment above the store. And then one day it came to me!

How did you come up with the name Emma Freke?  It’s so spot-on.

Thanks! (Did you know a real Emma Freke wrote to me from England after seeing the book?) I remember coming across the old British name, Freke, and knew I would use it in a book someday - for the very reason that it would be a tough name to grow up with. Kids, particularly in middle school, seem to be quite sensitive about their names, as they’re developing their own sense of identity.  For her given name, I wanted a popular, contemporary name, but also one that would play on the surname Freke. The name ‘Emma’ almost immediately came to mind.

What do you do when you are experiencing writer’s block?

 

Writer’s block is interesting. When it happens while writing a book, usually I've gone in the wrong direction somehow. So I need to back up and figure that out. Also, reading something wonderful can suddenly inspire me to write and often helps me to reroute my story if I’m stuck. So if I’m really experiencing deep writer’s block, I’ll sit back and read and read.

Writing is very hard work. For many of us it isn’t a compulsion and doesn’t come easily. It can be like working out everyday – sometimes you have to make yourself write even when you really don’t want to. But like almost any activity, once you warm up, the words eventually begin to flow. Some days are much better than others and other days stink… all part of the process and the journey.

What is one book that you think everybody should read?

The best book I’ve read as a writer is Stephen King’s book, On Writing.  I’m not a SK fan, but he is, of course, a gifted storyteller and gives wonderful practical advice for crafting a story in this book. I reread it each time I’ve finished writing a book, using it as a checklist of sorts.

What do you love most about writing?

Creating my own world.

What do you love least about writing? 

Promoting myself. I wish I didn’t have to spend so much time promoting. However, I do love visiting schools and groups/clubs – I love talking to children about my books and hearing about the books they love.

What is your reading guilty pleasure? 

Magazines!!! I adore and unwind with magazines. My favorites are the New York Times Sunday Magazine, The New Yorker, The Week, and Hello!

If you could go back in time, would you change anything in your life?

As a writer, I would have devoted myself more seriously earlier on, but I was completely focused on raising my children which was and is more important to me than anything else.

What do you do before writing? Do you have a ritual that you must do every time before you write?

Not really. But I do have habits while I’m writing. I’m very munchy and fidgety when I write so I have to be careful about what I’m eating. I chew gum, sip green tea, eat granola, carrot sticks. I also begin writing by reading. I sometimes listen to certain music and need to visual where my characters are, what they’re doing today. They’re very real to me. So I have to cross over into their zone.

When are you able to write best, mornings or evenings? 

Honestly, mornings are best for me, but usually I’m busy with busy-work in the morning, so I normally go to my little office to write after lunch and not every day. I also tend to write in clumps. I often go to my cottage in Maine when I have a deadline. I go there just for me and to write… so I’m working any time of the day or night. 

Who is one writer that you really look up to?  

There are several children’s book authors I greatly admire such as Natalie Babbitt, Jack Gantos, Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Kimberly Willis Holt. But as a child, the book Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume changed my life. I wanted to someday write a book that would empower and entertain girls in the same contemporary way Blume did. At that time, books were not nearly as relatable as they are now for children and tweens – for the most part, I was handed the classics like Alcott or cutesy series like Nancy Drew. So for me (and many other girls of my generation), Judy Blume’s book was groundbreaking.

 

When you were younger, did you ever see yourself as a writer? 

Yes, I did – either a writer or an actor. They seemed to be the two creative activities I was most passionate about and, at the same time, received positive encouragement to pursue by my teachers and family. When you come right down to it, the two occupations aren’t really different from one another.

If you were given the opportunity to become a character in any book, which book would it be and which character would you play? 

Oh, hard to pick – probably Anna Karenina :)

What advice can you give amateur writers? 

There is no “right” way to write.

Find a quiet place to work without internet access.

For me it was always important to find mentors in order to get better and better at my craft and to find my voice. I have never found writing groups to be useful or productive, although some people do. A mentor can be invisible as well – a writer you admire whose books and interviews can be instructional. But I think working one-on-one with a talented writer or professor or editor – someone you trust and respect - to hone your craft will help you grow the most. And develop a thick skin, don’t ever take critiques or reviews personally. That said, write anything to keep the creative juices flowing. And then one day, you’ll notice a charming corner store that sells beads…. and wonder to yourself, who lives above that curious little shop?

Thank you so much for doing this interview, Elizabeth!

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To find out more about Elizabeth, check her out on the following websites:

Elizabeth Atkinson Official Website
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