Category: Interviews

A Moment with Matt Tomerlin

by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Books, Interviews

Guys, the Twitter has done it again. I got a follow request from a fellow author, and the synopsis of his book intrigued me. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with pirates, but I do have a soft spot for Peter Pan and Pirates of Penzance…okay, and Pirates of the Caribbean, while we’re at it. I don’t get to hand these questions over to many men, so I was excited to see what Matt had to say. I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about him, and then enjoy the brief excerpt from his book, The Devil’s Fire, at the end.

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

“The Devil’s Fire: Pirate’s Bane #1” is about a young woman from London, Katherine Lindsay, who is kidnapped by pirates in the early 1700s. The phrase “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” definitely applies, as Katherine is forced to find an inner strength she otherwise would never have realized she had. She evolves throughout the story, and by the final chapter she is barely recognizable from the woman in the beginning. I wanted to write a realistic pirate story without all the supernatural stuff that did not shy from scenes of brutality or sex (though it is not a romance novel).

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?  Can you tell us about it?

Yes! In my mid-teens I wrote a screenplay about a rich man who fakes his death and then spies on his wife to find out if she really loved him. It was ambitious, but at that point I hadn’t had enough life experience (particularly relationship experience) to make it convincing.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Stripes, because Smee wears a striped shirt in Peter Pan.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before? (Independently being defined here as NOT one of the Big Six.)

Like so many others, I grew tired of agents/publishers rejecting my work without bothering to read a single paragraph. Bottom line is I wanted people to be able to read the story, and self-publishing was the fastest way to guarantee that. Amazon hasn’t let me down. I’ve sold over 5,000 copies of “The Devil’s Fire” so far, and that’s 4,999 more than I thought I would.

Are you working on anything new at the moment? 

I’m nearly finished with the follow-up to “The Devil’s Fire,” which is called “The Devil’s Tide”. The second book is open ended, and there will likely be a third.

Do you have any rituals before writing?  Music or silence?  Coffee or tea?  Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Total silence. Lots of Pepsi or Mt. Dew, and sometimes wine (later at night). Too many varieties of snacks to list… although you’ve inspired me to add Twizzlers into the mix.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know? 

Not specifically, but I do incorporate personality traits from everyone I know into nearly every character. In “The Devil’s Fire,” Katherine Lindsay has elements of the strongest women I know, who have faced hardship and emerged stronger, chin held high. The main antagonist, Edward Livingston, contains the very worst traits of humanity; a personification of those dark thoughts we never entertain. Nathan Adams is very much the naïve youth I was and many other teenaged males were. Captain Jonathan Griffith represents blind ambition, and proves to be the most difficult obstacle in Katherine Lindsay’s path, because there’s an undeniable attraction between them, despite the horrible things he has done.

What color is your umbrella?

I have a blue one from Disneyland, with Mickey Mouse on it. Don’t judge me.

Who is your favorite author and why?

Yikes. This is the hardest question yet. At the moment it would be Mark Twain, because he’s one of the few authors who can make me laugh out loud.

What was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading “Hunger Games,” because all my female friends insisted. It’s surprisingly addictive. Before that, I read “The Holy Road,” by Michael Blake, a very depressing but exquisitely written follow-up to “Dances With Wolves”.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research?  Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

With historical fiction, I have to do thorough research. I think it adds to the authenticity of a story, even if it’s only on a subconscious level. For example, much of “The Devil’s Fire” takes place in Nassau during the golden age of piracy, so I did extensive research on what Nassau was like at that time. I peppered the narrative with little details that may seem inconsequential, but hopefully help in transporting the reader to that time period.

After the last word is written, then what?  Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over?  Do you begin query letters immediately?

First I read it and edit it myself, and then I send it to a select group of friends who are very detail oriented. My sister is an editor, so that is a big help. Query letters are the last part, though I must admit I’m not really bothering with them anymore. The book seems to be finding an audience on Amazon, so that’s good enough for me.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

“Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” by U2. The lyrics totally fit Katherine’s character.

Where can people find your book?

It is currently exclusive to Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B005GL93LA

The second book will be out in 2012, hopefully by June.

Can we read a little excerpt?

It was six hours before the pirates discovered her cowering beneath the bed.

Several pirates spilled into the cabin, laughing and cursing. She glimpsed only their feet. Some wore boots, but most were barefoot. She watched through a hole in the heavy quilt that was draped over the bed as they thieved most of her clothes and jewelry. They took whatever perked their interest and then left, their boisterous laughter fading into the roaring pandemonium that had enveloped the main deck.

After what she presumed to be two hours, she heard a loud scuttle and a subsequent shriek that was abruptly cut short. A riotous commotion lasted for nearly five minutes before it broke into uncontrollable fits of laughter. For the next hour she was left to ponder her husband’s fate. Her mind played out a relentless torrent of ghastly possibilities, with Thomas meeting a grisly death in every one of them.

And then, with a glorious flood of relief, she heard his voice. Her eyes burned. She squeezed them shut, refusing to allow any tears to burst free; there would be time enough for that later, when she held him in her arms again, and the present ordeal was nothing more than a memory.

Thomas was conversing with a man whose voice held a distinctive air of authority. As this man spoke, the pirates gradually calmed. Katherine found herself transfixed on the voice, even though it was far too muffled through the cabin walls for her to distinguish words. He possessed a tranquil tone that she rather liked, and she temporarily forgot her peril while listening to him.

Thomas and the man with the fair voice eventually ended their conversation, and the pirate uproar started anew. This went on at some length, and the cabin remained empty over the next few hours. Gradually, the clamor outside grew even louder, and the unmistakable sound of a shattering bottle prompted her to wonder if the pirates had discovered the cases of wine in the cargo hold.

The endless ruckus numbed her senses, and she found her eyelids growing heavy. The floor’s wooden planking seemed to stretch away from her. Her vision thinned to narrowing slits that soon receded into darkness.

The door was thrust open, and the ruckus outside flooded the cabin like a tidal wave. Katherine lifted her head and smashed the crown of her skull against the underbelly of the bed. Her eyes shot open in accordance with the jolting pain.

A pair of buckled shoes marched deliberately for the bed. The man who wore them reached down and tore the quilt away, spoiling her hiding place. With the velocity of a striking snake, his hand shot under the bed to grasp Katherine’s hair, dragging her painfully from cover.

“This ship’s treasures never cease,” said the man with the voice that she had liked so much. But his pleasant enunciation was no match for the hunger in his eyes.

Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook, and check out his GoodReads profile. You can also follow his blog for updates on the series.

A Moment with Martha Bourke

by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Books, Interviews

On Tuesday, the tornado sirens in Nashville started screaming, and I ended up in my closet, clutching my laptop and my bowl of ramen noodles. I tweeted my fear, and I received comfort from loving friends and even a few strangers. Martha Bourke was one of those strangers, and she promised to “hold my hand” through the worst of it. It turned out to be a false alarm, as most tornado sirens are in my city. In the end, I left the closet floor with a new friend.

Martha then agreed to answer my usual questions, and I can’t tell you how much this excites me. With a Young Adult novel focusing on the Mayan prophecy regarding the end of days, her work is timely and interesting. I hope you’ll take a moment to meet my new friend, Martha, and read about her first novel, Jaguar Sun.

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Jaguar Sun is the story of Maya Delaney, a sixteen year old high school junior of Mayan descent. As she and those around her begin to develop unexplained abilities, Maya learns that she is part of a worldwide plot much bigger than anything she could ever have imagined. She must harness her new found powers in time to fight off this evil and bring humanity through to a positive transition on December 21, 2012, the day that the Mayan calendar ends. Maya’s basically forced to reevaluate everything; her relationships, her identity, her whole place in our world.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?  Can you tell us about it?

Oh, man. The first thing I remember writing was an acrostic poem using my first name in third grade. I was asked to read it in front of the school with other kids from each class. As if that’s not bad enough, after a read it, my old first grade teacher made a sour face and I saw her do it. Can you imagine? I mean, it may have been a tad bit morbid, but hello! I was NINE.  Luckily, my fourth grade teacher, who was hands down the best teacher I ever had, encouraged me. She even tried to get some published in magazines. They never were, but I was hooked.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Um, stripes. I’m not sure I could carry off plaid.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before? (Independent being defined here as not part of the Big Six.)

Actually, I had no other option. I took a sabbatical because of a health issue in December 2010. I started the book in January and finished it in April 2011. I went to a conference in May. I had signed up for one of those manuscript critiques where an editor reads the first chapter in advance and then meets with you. He really liked it, but he basically said that because of the whole Mayan Calendar December 2012 issue, no trad publisher would touch it. It had an expiration date, literally. It takes them too long to get a book out. So, I spent the summer doing service work, not sure what to do with it. In the fall I sent the first chapter to Pedernales Publishing on a whim. They only work with Indie authors, but they also only accept about forty percent of the manuscripts they get. I called them and sent it in. A week later they sent me an e-mail asking for a phone call. They had accepted it, thank God. The first YA manuscript they had ever taken. They did the cover, the formatting, and my website.  And we had it edited, proofed, formatted and out in two and a half months. Thank God only Book 1 has that kind of time constraint.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Jaguar Sun is the first book in the Jaguar Sun Series. I’m just starting to jot things down for Book 2, Jaguar Moon, which I’ll start very soon. It will be out in 2012.

Do you have any rituals before writing?  Music or silence?  Coffee or tea?  Twizzlers or M&Ms?

No, not really. I can’t write with music or the TV on.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

In little ways I suppose the people I know creep into my characters, but I’ve never flat out based an entire character on someone.

What color is your umbrella?

Ha! That’s such a funny question to me because I’m never prepared enough to have that sort of thing. But I actually have a mini umbrella right now. It’s pink with white polka dots. I think it’s for breast cancer awareness.

Who is your favorite author and why?

Charles Dickens, if I had to pick. That’s my mom’s fault. She’s big on the classics. Lots of Alcott and Austin. And my father was an English teacher.  He taught American and British lit. So, there you go! But, Dickens was a genius. His characterizations are amazing. And he had a very hard life as a young man, which colored his work and made him a champion of the poor as an adult.

What was the last book you read?

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. I read it just before going into editing on my book in November. I haven’t had time since! Fabulous book, btw. I would love to have blue hair. I’m so Jealous.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research?  Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

I write Paranormal, as opposed to Fantasy, so my world is our own world, but enhanced. My first novel I wrote five years ago took place locally. Jaguar Sun takes place in New Mexico and Mexico. I did a little research about New Mexico, and I knew a lot about Mexico already.  But that’s not to say I wouldn’t travel if I need to! Sounds good, actually.

After the last word is written, then what?  Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over?  Do you begin query letters immediately?

I have a terrific reader’s circle and they actually read it in two halves. Then I have my editor, who I contract out for, gets started. She lives in CA and I live in MA, so we e-mail it back and forth using “track changes”. We talk on the phone. Then the work goes to Pedernales and we start talking proofing, cover, etc.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

This is probably not going to make any sense to anyone, but I was an elementary Spanish teacher for fifteen years.  My knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture sort of smacked into my love of YA and that’s how the concept for Jaguar Sun was born. So an important song for the book is a song called “Tu Y Yo” (You and I) by Ricky Martin. It’s Matt and Maya’s theme song. And it has a very native feel to it at the end, which works perfectly for Maya’s character. The album came out while I was writing the book.

Where can people find your book?

At Amazon, in both Kindle and Paperback. It’s also at Barnes and Noble for Nook.

Can we read a little excerpt?

Okay, just for you, Jen. I’m just going to pick one at random, okay?

I turned and quietly opened the door to my and Matt’s room. He was sitting with his back to meon his side of the bed. As I watched, he leaned forward on his elbows, rubbing the stubble on his unshaven face as if deep in thought. I closed the door behind me with a quiet snick.

“Matt? Are you okay?” I whispered.

He turned his head. “Yeah. I was just thinking. Come here.”

I walked over and sat down next to him. I stared at the floor, wondering what he could be thinking about me and this newest display of my freakish powers. I could feel a massive stress headache coming on. I rubbed my temples.

“Are you okay?” he asked, putting an arm around me.

“I guess.”

“That was pretty incredible, what you did out there.”

All I could do was shake my head. “It may be incredible, but it’s not normal, Matt.”

“Come on, don’t do that.”

“My hands were glowing—for real—while I was working with Adriana.”

“Okay, so you can manipulate mind-blowing amounts of energy. We knew that. That’s why we’re here, babe.”

“Yeah.”

December 21, 2012

Will that fateful day destroy our world, or did the Mayans have something else in mind? 

Maya Delaney knows. Unfortunately.

Maya Delaney is just an average sixteen-year- old. She’s busy dealing with exams, her soon to be ex-boyfriend and fitting in. But Maya’s got bigger problems. She’s hiding a major secret from her dad and having strange visions she can’t control. In her struggle to figure out who she is, she learns that she is meant to fulfill an ancient Mayan Prophecy and bring forth a New Age on earth. Will the spirit magic Maya wields be enough to defeat Toltec, an evil society bent on keeping her from her destiny? Or will that destiny destroy her? 

There you have it! Thanks for having me, Jennifer. And thank you to readers who are taking a chance on a new author and letting my characters into their lives for a bit. That’s the best thing about writing after all.

***

And a huge thanks to Martha for stopping by.  I hope you’ll take a moment to find her on Twitter, visit her Facebook page, and become a fan on GoodReads. You can also learn more about Jaguar Sun on the website, and follow her blog.

A Moment with Stacy Verdick Case

by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Books, Interviews, Uncategorized

I’ve become acquainted with Stacy Verdick Case through Twitter, that great social media site that makes everyone friends in an instant.  This lady is quick, funny, and warm, so I knew her books would be something similar.  I’ve just cracked open A Grand Murder, and I’ve already laughed quite a bit.  This type of book is what I like for curling up on a rainy day.

I was thrilled when Stacy agreed to stop by for a few minutes.  It was great fun getting to know her a little better through my usual questions. I hope you’ll take a moment to meet her, and if you like what you see, check out A Grand Murder.

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Husbands are so snoopy!

A Grand Murder is the first book in Catherine O’Brien mystery series. Catherine is a St. Paul, MN homicide detective, who has a monster coffee habit, frequent bad hair days, and an irreverent outlook on life. She is partnered with Louise Montgomery who is her exact opposite in every way.

A Grand Murder is a fun, fast paced mystery, so if you’re looking for a hardboiled detective or a thriller, move along; there is nothing to see here.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?  Can you tell us about it?

The first book I wrote was in second grade called No Snow on Christmas. My Mom gave it to me a few years ago. I still have it in my office somewhere. We were in the military living at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and it was the first time I would be without snow for Christmas. I had to write about it. I still write about things that frustrate me, make me sad, or things I just simply don’t understand.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Well, I once wrote a piece arguing that the use of plaid should be banned, so I have to say stripes (LOL).

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before? (For this question, independent is categorized as publishers that are not considered one of the Big Six.)

No, I wanted to be part of the big six, but that market is too limited right now. Even if you do get picked up by a large house your book has such a small window. With a small press, my book has a chance to gain traction.  I’m happy being a big fish in a little pond right now instead of the other way around.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Always. The second book in the series is complete and in the hopper. I’m sixty pages into book three.

Do you have any rituals before writing?  Music or silence?  Coffee or tea?  Twizzlers or M&Ms?

A case of Merlot and weeping piteously, begging that the muses will bless me with some shred of talent.

No, I’m kidding, I shed all my rituals a long time ago. Rituals were too limiting for me. I have very little dedicated writing time (full-time job, toddler, husband, marketing, blah, blah, blah), so I need to steal moments here and there. I love doctor’s appointments because they’re always running twenty-minutes behind, so I think I’m becoming a hypochondriac just to get blocks of writing time.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

Every character I’ve ever written is based on someone I know, or at least pieces of them are.

If you know me, you are character fodder.

It’s funny when people see something of themselves in a character. I’ve had people claim ownership over certain characters, but they’re an amalgam of multiple people.

Catherine and Louise (the two main characters) are namesakes of two women I used to work with whom I adore.

What color is your umbrella?

My main umbrella is a light blue, but I have one in black, one in blue/black/green paisley, a pink one, a brown one, a clear one with a pink ribbon, and a white one with a cat on it. Wow, even I was unaware of my umbrella mania. Stop me before I umbrella again!

Who is your favorite author and why?

This is such a hard question because I have so many favorites for different reasons.  Stephen King for his descriptive ability, Christopher Moore for his humor, Anne George for creating characters you want to follow forever, and Harper Lee for her ability to evoke a time.  The list evolves all the time.

What was the last book you read?

The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer. It’s a YA book. A little sad, but I cared about the characters. I read it in three days, which is fast for me.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research?  Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

I mix real and made up places. I live outside of St. Paul, Minnesota where the books are set, and I love adding local places. If I can’t find a place that fits the story, I will create business, or locations that suit me. I figure I write fiction, no one is relying on my books as a travel log.

After the last word is written, then what?  Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over?  Do you begin query letters immediately?

Have a drink and celebrate!

Seriously though, writers should always have pre-readers and editors to work with and I do. After reading your own work so many times, you will start skimming, and not thoroughly reading what you wrote.

It’s important to find the right group of readers though. I’ve been part of crummy critique groups in the past.  They should have been called fang and claw clubs instead of critique groups.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

B*tch by Meredith Brooks.  I think this sums up Catherine (then again what woman doesn’t it sum up): I’m a little bit of everything all rolled into one. I’m a b*tch, I’m a lover, I’m a child, I’m a mother, I’m a sinner, I’m a saint, I do not feel ashamed. I’m your hell, I’m your dream, I’m nothing in between. You know you wouldn’t want it any other way. So take me as I am.

Where can people find your book?

Barnes and Noble, Powell’s, GoodReads, Amazon, anywhere books are sold they can order it if they don’t have it. It’s available in paperback, eBook, and January 15th it will be released in audio, which is exciting for me. I can’t wait to hear my characters come to life.

Can we read a little excerpt?

I thought you’d never ask! Thank you for the opportunity. This is from about midway through the book. Catherine O’Brien is the narrator:

Once again, we were in attendance at Stanley and Forster. After all the time we’d spent here in the last couple days, I was as comfortable in this office as I was in my own.

Even the ghost—pallid receptionist began to warm up a little. She greeted us with a smile.

“Who do you need this time?”

“Philip Carter,” I said.

“You got it.”

She punched some keys, and then said into her headset. “Mr. Carter, the cops are here for you.”

By how fast the call ended, Philip Carter didn’t seem particularly surprised to hear that there were police waiting to see him. I think I might have asked what they wanted.

“Have a seat,” she said. “He’ll be down to see you in just a minute.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

She retrieved a tube of lipstick from her purse and made fish faces in a compact mirror as she applied the diva—pink lipstick. Part of me wanted to know how much she got paid.

The waiting room was full of people who were now watching Louise and me like we’d just dropped our pants and peed on the floor.  Cops are nobody’s friends until you need one.

You can visit Stacy’s GoodReads profile, follow her on Twitter, and fan the book on Facebook.  I know she’d love to hear from you!

A Moment with Heather Huffman

by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Books, Interviews, Uncategorized

I’m thrilled to welcome Heather Huffman, who has graciously taken the time to answer the usual battery of questions with her wit and charm. Heather has several novels under her belt, with her latest, Ring of Fire, to be released by Booktrope.  Heather isn’t afraid to write about some pretty tough subjects, and Booktrope is happy to give her a platform.  I think you’ll love what she has to say, so spend a few moments with her here.  You may find your next favorite author.

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

All of my books are about strong women with incredible strength and passion, who face seemingly insurmountable odds. In my latest release, Ring of Fire, a scientist stationed on a remote island to research green energy stumbles upon a young girl in danger, and suddenly finds herself thrust into a situation where she has to protect not only her life’s work, but also her life itself.  Add a healthy dose of love, adventure, and humor – and an annoyingly handsome government official – and you have Ring of Fire, an entertaining and romantic journey that reminds us things aren’t always as they seem.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?  Can you tell us about it?

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. The first thing I ever wrote that I still have and like was a screenplay I finished when I was 13. It was about a young woman in the 1800s who dressed like a boy and hitched a ride with a band of outlaws heading west so she could find her brother. I still think I’d like to clean that up and turn it into a novel someday.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Plaid.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

When I first started submitting novels, I got the form letter back and I knew my work wasn’t ready. I learned from the rejections and got better. When I was having drawn out conversations with agents, I knew the problem was no longer my skill level, it was finding a niche for my work. When an agent told me point-blank that she loved the writing in Jailbird, but a story like that would never be published mainstream, I knew I was faced with a decision.

I thought about it for a few days but ultimately decided I’d rather be true to the stories in my head than write to please a publisher. So I decided to go indie with the four novels I’d already written. Sharing my books with others on that level was an amazing experience. I’m forever grateful to the readers who reached out to me in that first year.

When I was contacted by Booktrope, I was hesitant to sign with a publisher. I’d been rather spoiled by the level of control I had with being indie. I’d also been contacted by someone who felt I should be seeking mainstream representation again. I found myself with three choices laid out before me: stay indie, go with a small publisher, or get back in the New York game. I’m thrilled I chose door number two. Booktrope is the best of both worlds; I can’t say enough how proud I am to be one of their authors.

Are you working on anything new at the moment? 

I am, and it’s a project I’m really excited about. Devil in Disguise catches up with a few characters from my other novels. Conrad Langston, the hero for book six, was first introduced in Jailbird. Rachel Cooper has appeared in almost all of my other novels, even if it’s just a passing mention. She’s finally getting her own story – her little sister goes missing and Rachel stops at nothing to not only save her, but set her family’s life right again. Of course, she gets a little help from Rick and Veronica Sinclair – the main characters in Suddenly a Spy. I’m having a lot of fun with this particular crew. Devil in Disguise, like many of my books, addresses the issue of human trafficking, a cause I’m passionate about fighting. I try to use all of my books to be a voice for the voiceless in some way, but this one really shines a spotlight into some of the lesser-known aspects of the fight.

Do you have any rituals before writing?  Music or silence?  Coffee or tea?  Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Each book gets its own soundtrack, and I listen to it constantly while I’m working on that book – I mean, in the car, while I’m washing dishes, going to sleep at night. It helps me keep the vibe of the book top of mind. Sometimes when I sit down to write, I have the scene playing through my head like a movie on a reel. Sometimes I have no clue what I’m going to say and my fingers just move of their own accord, surprising even me with what they come up with.

I do always have either a cup of coffee or a Diet Coke at my side when writing. I try not to snack – as often as I’m at the computer, I’d be the size of a house if I did. If I do sneak something, my weakness is definitely M&Ms.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know? 

A friend of mine has a shirt that I covet. It reads “Careful, or you’ll end up in one of my novels.” Characters are usually mixtures of many people I know. The heroine always has some aspect of me in her – usually her flaws and pain. It’s easier to make those come through if they’re genuine. Three come to mind, though, that are pretty closely based on a real person.

The first is Danny, from Throwaway and Ring of Fire. He’s based on a St. Louis musician named John Bartley. I find John’s music both fascinating and moving. He’s extremely talented, and he’s also a very kind and interesting man. I first heard his music when I was researching settings for Throwaway. At the time, it just so happened that he played at two pubs I’d picked out to be in the book, so it seemed natural to work him and his music into the story.

The other two are Kate’s friends in Ties That Bind. Kate is the embodiment of my insecurities, and her two amazing friends are based on two young women I worked with when I wrote that book. Like Kate, Liz and Jessica, the three of us had become instant friends. These young women were the ones who encouraged me to share my writing with the world again. They were the first ones to hear the dreams that led to Throwaway and Jailbird. I think that’s the soft spot I have for Ties That Bind. More than a love story between Kate and Gavin, it’s the novel that stands testament to the friendships that changed my life.

What color is your umbrella?

Green, although I never remember to take it with me.

Who is your favorite author and why?

Nathaniel Hawthorne. I read Scarlet Letter when I was in the 6th grade and it’s had an impact on the way I live my life. One statement in particular has stuck with me through the years: “Be true. Be true. Be true. Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred.” It’s become my motto in life. Having your fears and sins out there for the world to see removes the fear that they’ll be found.

As for contemporary authors, it would have to be Sylvain Reynard. There is something very lyrical and beautiful about his writing.

What was the last book you read?

Honestly? The Bible – I read it with my boys almost every night. The most recent novel I read was No Time to Cry by Rose Campion.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research?  Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

All of the above. I love to travel, and I take notes when I do because I prefer to write about places I’ve been. It feels more genuine. If I have to rely on research, I try to find someone I know who’s familiar with an area to help bring details to life.

After the last word is written, then what?  Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over?  Do you begin query letters immediately?

The first thing that happens when the last word is written is a moment or two of me staring at my computer screen incredulously, as in, “Wow, I actually finished it.” Then it goes to my mom, sisters, and/or nieces for the first pre-read. After that, a couple of people on the Booktrope team help point out any holes that need to be plugged in or edges that need to be smoothed out. Finally, it goes to a Booktrope editor for another round of polishing.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Like each of my books, Ring of Fire had its own playlist. There is the obvious, Ring of Fire – John Bartley’s version or the one by Social Distortion, depending on the day. Joey by Concrete Blonde was another good one. Borderline by Eliza Gilkyson completely captures Alex’s hesitation when it comes to Daniel. Of course, all of my books have a little Springsteen on their soundtrack. For this one, Tougher than the Rest still makes me want close my eyes and be transported back to Alex’s world.

Where can people find your book?

The usual suspects – online retailers like Amazon.com, BN.com and iTunes are the best places to grab a copy. Autographed print copies will be available at my appearances as I travel the country for the Leave Your Mark tour – details for that can be found on my website.

Can we read a little excerpt?

Absolutely! It was hard for me to pick one scene, but this one made me giggle when I wrote it. Poor Alex has had a heck of a day – she’s braved hired goons, the jungle and explosions to rescue a princess whose irritating-yet-handsome guardian questions her motives. In this scene, she’s trying to wash away the grime and stress of the day by submersing herself in the luxurious palace bathtub, which is filled with scented oils and flower petals. In fact, the tub is so full of flowers that the aforementioned guardian hops into the tub with her before he realizes she’s even there.

“What are you doing in here?” Daniel Martin demanded.

“Taking a bath!” She scooped up an armful of flower petals in a vain attempt to cover herself. “Why aren’t you off trying to catch the bad guys?”

“I debriefed my team,” he retorted defensively. “I have exactly three minutes to clean up before my next meeting, and then it’s dinnertime. Why am I explaining myself to you?”

“I’m sorry my being here has inconvenienced you so much.” She took a deep breath that was more ragged than she’d have liked. “If you’ll kindly turn around, I’ll leave you to your bath. Lord knows you need it.”

She couldn’t help that last little jab. His jaw twitched and she was pleased to know she’d succeeded in once again irritating him.

“Don’t bother.” He took a breath and sank under the water, reemerging to shake off like a wet dog. “My three minutes are up. This’ll have to be good enough.”

“One can only hope.”

“You can keep watching if you really want; I’m getting out now.”

“Cretin,” Alex accused, covering her eyes with one hand. She might have peeked a little, but not much and only out of scientific curiosity…

You can preview the first four chapters for free on Amazon. You can also follow Heather on Twitter and check out her profile on GoodReads.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy Ring of Fire!

A Moment with Aida Brassington

by Jen Barry, posted in Artists, Authors, Books, Interviews

I’ve eagerly awaited work from Aida Brassington and was thrilled to learn that she’s released her first novel, Between Seasons.  I currently have my grubby little hands on it, and I can’t wait to dig right in.

Aida was kind enough to answer a few questions about her book, her writing process, and her affection for kilts.  Read on and learn why I’m such a fan.  Be sure to read on to the end, where you’ll learn how to win a copy of Between Seasons!

 

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Between Seasons tells the story of Patrick Boyle, a 19-year-old man who dies in 1970 and becomes trapped in his childhood home. His parents take off, and forty years later a young woman moves in.

Here’s the official blurb:

There are things Patrick Boyle will never forget: the sound of his own neck breaking at the moment of his death in the fall of 1970, the sweet taste of his mother’s chocolate cake, and the awful day his parents abandoned him in his childhood house-turned prison.

Nineteen-year-old Patrick wonders for decades if God has forgotten all about him or if he’s being punished for some terrible crime or sin over a lovely forty years trapped in an empty home. But when Sara Oswald, a strange woman with a mysterious past, buys his house, old feelings reawaken, and a new optimism convinces him that she’s the answer to his prayers.

Things are never simple, though, especially when she begins channeling the memories of his life and death in her writing.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?  Can you tell us about it?

I had an imaginary friend when I was a kid, like when I was three or four – her name was Mona. While I don’t remember writing it, my mother still has pictures I drew of my family and Mona, including one on which I wrote a really bizarre short story (think flash fiction) about Mona and I going on a hay ride.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Plaid, but only because I really like kilts.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

Like most writers, I want the fantasy: the literary agent, the traditional publishing deal, being able to walk into a Barnes & Noble and buy my novel right off a shelf. With the closing of Borders and print novel sales shrinking, agents are more and more nervous about taking on anything they aren’t 99.9% sure they can sell. So while independent publishing isn’t something I’ve always dreamed off, it’s becoming more and more of a reality for those of us with stories to tell. The success of indie authors demonstrates that agents and traditional publishers don’t necessarily know what people want to read – playing it safe in the publishing industry is the equivalent of cranking out nothing but remakes in the film industry: people get bored and want something truly new.

Are you working on anything new at the moment? 

I am! I just began the follow-up novel to Between Seasons, and I just finished a project for National Novel Writing Month (a YA horror novel).

Do you have any rituals before writing?  Music or silence?  Coffee or tea?  Twizzlers or M&Ms?

I tend to write sitting on my couch with the television on and my computer on my lap. For Between Seasons, I liked to listen to music since it’s such a big part of the novel – the music Patrick loved in 1970 as well as more modern music that Sara would have listened to in 2011.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know? 

Absolutely! What writer hasn’t? Sara’s sister Julie is based on a woman I used to work with, and bits and pieces of Patrick and Sara are pulled from other people in my life.

What color is your umbrella?

Red and white alternating panels.

Who is your favorite author and why?

I have two: Kurt Vonnegut and John Irving. It makes sense since Irving considers Vonnegut a mentor, and I appreciate the way both of them handle language, plotting, and humor.

What was the last book you read?

I recently finished German For Travelers by Norah Labiner, which is a great novel put out by Coffeehouse Press.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research?  Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

I tend to include locations I’ve been to – Between Seasons is set in Media, Pennsylvania, which is a small town not far from where I live. However, some of the novel takes place in a mental institution, which is somewhere (surprisingly) I’ve not been. I had to rely on the kindness of friends to get solid information about that experience.

After the last word is written, then what?  Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over?  Do you begin query letters immediately?

I’m anal retentive about getting feedback. After each chapter I write, it goes to a group of four people (some writers, some editors, some readers with a keen eye) who tear it apart. I revise based on their feedback and then it goes to my critique partner (an older man who writers really great mysteries), who also tears it apart. After that I feel reasonably happy with the outcome, but it goes to a few people who read just for reaction. And then I usually sit on a novel for another month or two before giving it another read and after more revision, then I start the query process.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Oooo, let’s see. I listened to “Slip Away” by Clarence Carter a lot during the early days of Patrick and Sara’s relationship, but I think the official song that’s perfect for Between Seasons is “Through Glass” by Stone Sour.

Where can people find your book?

It’s available in paperback and Kindle format at Amazon; Nook format at Barnes & Noble; and random e-formats (including PDF) at Smashwords.

Can we read a little excerpt?

To set this up, Patrick has died, and we get his thoughts on his wake:

“Yes, he had such a bright future.” His high school shop teacher stood by his aunt’s side, giving her the eye.

“I can’t believe you’re trying to get lucky at my wake, man.” Patrick chuckled and moved away, gravitating toward Ginny and her parents. He couldn’t believe what people were saying about him – hearing all about what a good guy he was, how generous he’d been, how kind and giving. Most of these people had barely known him. Dying transformed him into a hero, apparently, although that shouldn’t have surprised him – he’d been to a funeral or two, and no one ever said anything shitty about the person who’d kicked the bucket.

When the old guy down the street had a heart attack, Patrick’s mother had dragged him to the viewing. The man had been a real jerk, chasing kids off his lawn and stealing newspapers off his neighbors’ porches, but everyone had gone on and on about what a saint the guy’d been.

Ginny’s parents were deep in discussion about picking up milk on the way home, but Ginny’s lips clamped into a firm, white line. She looked upset, and even though Patrick thought this whole wake scene was idiotic, he was glad at least one person who really knew him – other than his parents – was sad he was gone. Well, not gone… dead.

“I have to visit the bathroom,” Ginny muttered, heading toward the stairs. Patrick followed, Ginny’s brown dress swishing around her legs as she climbed, and she immediately turned into his bedroom instead of the bathroom.

“Patrick?” she whispered, startling him.

“Ginny?” He moved closer, sinking fingers in her shoulder. She wrapped her arms across her chest, shuddering and staring out the window. “Hey, can you hear me?”

She crossed herself and continued to stare at the yard below. “I can’t believe you’re dead.”

“I can’t believe I’m dead, either. It kind of sucks.” He wished she would open the window so he could jump through. Wait. What would it matter? He’d just toss himself out of it – he could move through the glass and screens, no problem.

A lone tear traversed the slope of Ginny’s cheek, and she allowed it to roll to her chin before she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Patrick moved around and sat on his bed – all the crying was killing him. It was such a drag, and it made him feel bad for dying. It was definitely a buzz kill to his idea about trying the window – he couldn’t let Ginny cry by herself.

“I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,” she mumbled, touching the glass.  Patrick’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. What was that from? “If you want me again, look for me under your boot-soles.”

It came to him in a few moments. “Nice.” He snorted in amusement. “Seeing me off with some Whitman. I hear it’s better than the mass during my funeral – Andy said it was like cats squealing or something when the soloist sang.”

You can learn more about Aida by visiting her website.  Her novel is also listed on GoodReads, and she invites you to follow her on Twitter.

CONTEST RULES:

To enter, simply leave a comment.  The contest will close on Friday at 11:59 pm CST.  At that time, all names will be dropped into a hat and an impartial third party (my 11-year-old nephew) will draw for the winner.  The winner will then be announced here on the site, on my Twitter account, and on Aida’s Twitter account.  In the event that we do not hear from the winner within twenty-four hours, another winner will be drawn.  Just in case, it’s a good idea to follow both of us so you don’t miss out!