Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Interview with author, Sindee Lynn
















Today, I feature Sindee Lynn, who is on her Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Book Tour.  Leave a comment for Sindee for an chance to win a copy of Prince's Donor at the end of her tour.  Winners will drawn at random and contacted by e-mail, so please become a follower of this blog for updates.



Sindee, welcome to Immortyl Revolution. What age group is your work geared toward?

SL: Definitely 18 and over. Primarily for the sexual content and my love scenes. Not a book for the pre-teen group at all.

Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?

SL: Paranormal Romance, Prince's Donor is definitely a book that falls in the vampire category - my hero is the Prince of Vampires and his best friend and protector is a werewolf.

Tell us a little about your book.

SL: Jenna James is an overweight accountant from Washington State. Her life is dull and boring.   She has no man, and her mother has specific ideas as to why this is. A few years back she signed up for the donor database - a list of humans whose sole purpose is to provide "the others" with the blood and sex they need to survive. The Others is a grouping of different races from vampires to werewolves and other shifters who might need blood and sex for survival. Well things havent gone as she thought. No vampires have knocked on her door and she's thinking of removing her name but then a vampire shows up at her door in need and offering what she's wanted since she signed up. Now Jenna doesnt know that the vampire who has just had his way with her is not just any ordinary vampire. He's the Prince of Vampires, Syrian Roskonovich. Syrian's got his own issues with just finding out his donor has been cheating on him and just when he's getting ready to take over as King of the Vampires. The last thing he expected to find on this random trip to Washington that his father ordered him to go on is the woman he's been looking for.  There are a few more underlying things going on but that's the jest of the first book in my Donor Series.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why? 

SL: I can't really say I have a favorite character in this book. I love them all for different reasons - Syrian for being this strong vampire who finds himself falling for this plus sized woman who is so not his normal type, and he doesnt know why but he knows he's got to have her in his life. I love Jenna because I think alot of people can relate to her - she's a plus sized woman who's family gives her grief about being plus sized and for being man -less, she takes a chance on what she wants by signing up for the donor program but then when it doesn’t go as planned she considers giving up and just as she has made up her mind to do just that what she has wanted shows up at her door.

What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?

SL: Oh wow... Sherrilyn Kenyon is my absolute favorite in vampire romance with her dark hunter series but right beside her is Christine Feehan with her dark series. These two have created whole worlds where when I open the pages of their book I leave whereever I am and I enter their world. That is what I want my readers to experience. And I want them to want to stay until they're done with the book and then I want them to Google me to see when the next one is coming out ... lol because that's what I do for these ladies.

What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful? 

SL: I am definitely not a plotter of every single detail... I think I a combination writer. Before I even begin to write a story the idea has to have come to me several times and then when I put it on paper I have to have a beginning, middle and end. I have to know where the story is going. I guess that would be an outline of sorts. But when I do begin writing my characters truly take on lives of their own and you know if the direction you are moving in is not the right one because your story will suck. It took me a few attempts to figure out what was wrong with Prince's Donor before I realized that my heroine was a bit shyer, lacked self confidence in herself because that wasn't how I initially envisioned her. Publishing companies always recommend you have a strong heroine and sometimes that's just not how it works - its not the reality of your character and that wasn't who Jenna was. I don't belong to any critique groups, I keep saying I'm going to find one if only online but my schedule is so crazy I just havent had time but I can only imagine it would enhance my writing for someone other than me to read it.

Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers? 

SL: Don't give up. No matter how many rejections you get. No matter how many of your friends or family members don't understand the passion you have for writing romance or writing period. No matter how many mornings you wake up tired as all get out because you have been up til 3 am the night before and work starts at 8am - don't give up. Your breakthrough will come. Have faith and confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?

SL: My publisher is Passionate Writer Publishing. You can purchase my books several different places: directly from my publishing company, http://www.passionatewriterpublishing.com/, www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. From my publishing company's website you can purchase my book in e-book format or paperback but from amazon or barnes and noble you can only purchase in paperback.


What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?

SL: I am currently working on my website, but as with everything else time plays a role. I'm a single parent of an ACTIVE teenage daughter so it's a miracle really I found time not only to finish writing my book but to find a publishing company. But it will be out soon. I am on Facebook by my real name and people can "friend" me there - Cynthia Yates, Richmond Va. I have links from my facebook account to where you can purchase my books and will update my website link when it's up and running.

Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention? 

SL: We have a few things in the works for the fall with conferences and book expos in Maryland and South Carolina - I will update those on my facebook site - by then my website should be up and running too. But alot of appearances depend on my daughter's schedule and until school is out and competition cheer season is over my life is not my own.. I will start living in May ... lol .. I will let you know how that works out for me.

Sindee, thanks for the opportunity to interview you! 

Readers, please visit, www.deniseverricowriter.webs.com to explore the world of Immortyl Revolution.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Interview with author, Cissy Hunt

















Cissy is on her Author's Supporting Authors Virtual Book Tour, and if you leave a comment for her, you will be entered in a drawing for her book.  Please become a blog follower, so we may contact you by e-mail if you are the winner.  Cissy, welcome to the blog today!  What age group is your work geared toward?


CH: Because of the subject matter, domestic abuse, I would say probably the age of 16. The age young girls start dating.

Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?

CH: I would say Christian fiction, because my book deals with spiritual healing also. A woman comes out of a abusive relationship beaten up physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tell us a little about your book.

CH: My book, A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns, tells the story of a woman's journey from domestic abuse through healing to forgiveness.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

CH: My favorite character is the main character, LaRae Jones, because she overcomes her aversities of being the victim of domestic abuse to helping other women overcome being victims.

What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?

CH: I can't say any specific writer influnced my work. I have read many authors throughout the years and like them. My favorite authors in my genre are Beverly Lewis and Lori Wick, but I guess my most favorite book of all would have to be Gone With the Wind. I first read it in the eighth grade and have loved it every since.

What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?

CH: This was my first book and I don't really have a specific process. I did some research for statistics and I fasted for a month and a half before starting this book. I fasted because writing this book would take me on a journey I didn;t really want to go on but had to, a journey into my past.

Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?

CH: Yes, if you love to write do it. Start with one sentence at a time.

Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?

CH: My publisher is PublishAmerica. My book can be bought at my publisher's website http://www.publishamerica.net/product87441.html and at my personal website  http://cissyh.webs.com/.

Can readers friend you on Facebook?

CH: My website http://cissyh.webs.com and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Rose-Blooms-Among-the-Thorns/101777343191000

Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?

CH: Not at this time but I am working on setting up booksignings in my hometown

Cissy thank you for joining me today! 

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Interview with author, Nedyne Shorts-Nettles

Today I welcome Nedyne Shorts-Nettles, as part of her Authors Promoting Authors Virtual Book Tour. Please post a comment to enter to win a copy of her book at the end of her tour.  Please, follow this blog for updates.


Nedyne,welcome!  What age group is your work geared toward?

Since this book has adult subject matter, I would gear it towards 18 years of age and up.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?

Poison Reality: a symphony of bittersweet is a fictional suspense melodrama. The story has a protagonist who is a detective named Bill Edwards, there are many unforeseen dangers that keep the reader on the edge of his /her seat. This novel follows the “formula” for being in the suspense category it has”, state of confusion”, “realization,” a “main event” and “climax” before the ending.

Tell us a little about your book.

It is a potent tale of failings and ultimate redemption that frame our collective existence, displaying for the reader both how vulnerable and strong we can all be when confronting the mercurial challenges of life. With strong, believable characters and intriguing storylines.  Poison Reality is a fast-paced, solid human interest story, one that leaves you with such an indelible impression with the turning of the final page.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

The Ned character one of the central hubs of my novel moving from woman to woman is someone we see time and time again. He is a man who is nice looking and the women just wanted him as an arm piece. They don’t take time to find out much about him. They are just tired of being alone. This character is so cunning that I really had fun writing him.

What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?

I wanted to see a fresh story something that relates to our everyday lives I love books written by Tom Wolfe. One in particular, The bonfire of the vanities. Another great book Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMIllan and Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. Each of these authors paid attention to realism and wrote a very action oriented book that took the imagination to the same heights as a epic movie.
What is your writing process like?

I am a new author and utilize the process of Brainstorming and Freestyle. Brainstorming is when an idea is kicked around and opinions are sought in order to maintain realism. Freestyling is playing with a theme and just letting it evolve naturally. A lot of the background was developed from my personal encounters with people, venues and situations. I do not belong to a critique group and will probably pursue one when writing my next book.

Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?

My advice to new writers is the same advice my parents gave to me. “Nothing beats a failure but a try”. If you have a story and feel like you can write do it, do not write for money because that is not going to happen. And when you have written your novel don’t wait for success to fall in your lap. My suggestion to you is to gather a network of support. Join writer groups and write blogs. Do not count on book signings because unless you have created a buzz you will not find much success. I suggest you read an article written by Joanne Vandrmuelen written Jan31 2010 called New 5-star reviews on Amazon. The website to go to is http;//bit.ly/92Ec1b.

Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?

Publish America is my publisher.my books can be found on amazon.com or through www.publishamerica.com suspense genre number 19. My books also can be found on other sites by google under Poison reality: a symphony of bittersweet.

What are your websites or blogs where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?

Http://Nedyne.webs.com/, www.bkwalkerbooks.com, and apex book for their reviews, http;//www.gateringauthor.com. I would add people as a friend on my Facebook.

Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?

I am currently waiting for my book trailer which will be on You Tube. There are book signings but the dates are not set yet.

Nedyne, thanks for joining me today.  Readers follow this blog for more updates and author interviews.  Please visit my website at http://www.deniseverricoauthor.webs.com/ for more information on the Immortyl Revolution series.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Interview with author, James C. Wallace II

          Welcome!  Today, I'm featuring author, James C. Wallace II on the Authors Promoting Authors Virtual Book Tour.  Please leave Mr. Wallace your comments to be entered in a book drawing at the end of the his tour. 



What age group is your work geared toward?


JCW: I have found that my style of writing best suits the 10 – 12 year old audience. Given my background working for the world’s largest children’s museum, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, that age group allows me to make my greatest impact, be it in writing stories of Oz or planetarium shows, educational curriculum and outreach programs which teach various science concepts. It also helps that I have raised 5 children into adulthood and now they have returned the favor with 12 grandchildren. Having that perspective allows me to more effectively tailor my work and get the necessary, real-time feedback as I’m writing. Having a built-in, readily available audience makes the process so much more productive.

Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?

JCW: Oz, by definition, is considered children’s fantasy fiction as it was done by the original author, L. Frank Baum. Many have followed and most adhere to that genre, although in more recent times, I’ve witnessed the “adultification” of Oz. I believe this has been done in order to appeal to a slightly older audience which happens to have more access to cash. This is especially apparent with the advent of the graphic novel, which is basically an advanced form of the comic book and which appeals to the late teen audience. For myself, I tend to stick with the original vision of Baum and, as such, my work is defined as children’s fantasy fiction.

Tell us a little about your book.

JCW: In actuality, what I’ve chosen to write is a three volume storyline which focuses on the great grandson of the original Wizard of Oz, named O.Z. Diggs. I call it the Royal Magician of Oz Trilogy. Volume One, Magician of Oz, which was released last Summer Solstice begins the story and establishes the character of Jamie Diggs, the great grandson of O.Z. Diggs. He is called by Princess Ozma to come to Oz and accept her proclamation of him as the new Royal Magician, replacing his great grandfather, who recently retired after 100 years of service. Shadow Demon of Oz, due out by May 1 of this year, continues the storyline and expands Jamie and Buddy’s relationship, both in and out of Oz. By the time Family of Oz comes out next year, their relationship becomes the focal point of the story, as well as the relationship both with Jamie’s parents, Buddy’s father and Jamie’s great grandfather, O.Z. Diggs. One of the unique features of my work is the predominance of food as a story element. I use it as a commonality for the audience. After all, everyone eats. In volume one, its Potato Soup. In volume two, it’s the Reuben Samich and in volume three, Blackberry Cobbler takes center stage. By the time you’ve read all three stories, you’ve got soup, sandwich and dessert. One other element which was included within my stories is what I term the Hoosier Factor. This is a Hoosier tale and includes many Hoosier concepts, such as covered bridges, morel mushrooms, rural farms, cemeteries and the like. I also use a Hoosier dialect, which tends to annoy some English teachers, but no one else, best I can tell.



Who is your favorite character in your book(s) and why?

JCW: I actually have two favorite characters. The Queen of the Field Mice, I feel, has always been one of the most over-looked and ignored characters in the original Wizard of Oz story by Baum. She and her subjects play a crucial role in saving the Cowardly Lion in the Field of Poppies but in the MGM movie and almost every condensed reprint of the original Wizard of Oz, she is always left out. I give her a more pronounced role early on and by the time the story plays out in Family of Oz, Her Majesty should have a major impact in the story. The other character I favor is Polychrome, the Daughter of the Rainbow. For some reason, as a child reading these stories, her character always spoke to me and I have chosen to give her more prominence as a character.

What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?

JCW: Of course, L. Frank Baum, the original author of 14 Oz books played a major role in my early childhood as a source of reading within the fantasy realm. As I have grown older, I have allowed the works of Lewis Carroll, H. G. Wells, Mark Twain, Gene Wolfe and David Brin to influence my writings. I have always found the fantasy realm to be a very seductive place to escape to and lose myself to other worlds. In addition, growing older seems to have drawn me towards the science fiction realm, although I have an extensive background as a scientist. Trying to bridge the gap between sci-fi and sci-fact has become a fond hobby of mine as I watch technology catch up with fiction. My favorite books are any of Baum’s original 14 books of Oz, especially Magic of Oz, as well as Alice in Wonderland, First Men on the Moon, The Claw of the Concillator, Letters From the Earth and Heart of the Comet.

What is your writing process like?

JCW: I tend to write late at night when all is quiet and calm. I also set a goal of a chapter a night, which I can usually achieve. This results in my writing upwards of 45,000 – 63,000 words in a month. Both Magician of Oz and Shadow Demon of Oz were completed in 30 days. I expect Family of Oz will follow the same course. Once the muse strikes, it’s generally best not to get in my way.

Do you do a lot of background research?

JCW: In writing of Oz, I research only from the original 14 books of Oz by Baum. For me, his vision is the original and only vision from which to draw upon. Despite this, I do occasionally make errors in Ozian continuity, to which my fellow Ozites hold me accountable. I am grateful for their input as I want to be as accurate as possible without compromising my story.

Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both?

JCW: I generally outline each book, chapter by chapter with a general storyline. While this works for the early process, once the muse strikes, I become like a possessed animal and instinct takes over. The story I outlined rarely looks much like the story I end up with.

Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?

JCW: No, I do not. I’d prefer not to as Oz rarely is critiqued well by those outside of Oz. Those inside Oz tend to run the gamut of critiques and thus make it difficult to know which opinion works best. The only group whose opinion matters to me is my target audience, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?

JCW: I always advice kids to start out by reading as much as possible is as short a time as possible. If they can do a book a day for a month, they will have a more comprehensive understanding of various styles, wordsmith and content. Once they have done this, many kids find they have better stories within themselves than anything they may have just read. Doing this also instills in them the discipline of the writers world.

Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?

JCW: I chose self-publishing when I began this project as Oz is regarded in the publishing community as a niche market with little financial incentive for anything other than reprints of original Baum stories, graphic novels and Oz books which have been subjected to “adultification,” such as Wicked. I have my own publishing company entitled “Scientia Est Vox Press.” I utilize CreateSpace as the POD printer due to their access to Amazon.com, their much lower cost-per-book investment and the overall market acceptance of their business model. All my books will be available on Kindle, as well as paperback. There is a plan to go for a fully illustrated hardback series when the final book has had a chance to ferment.

What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more?

JCW: For general book info and blog updates on my various comings and goings in and out of Oz, the following website is the best place to visit:

http://magicianofoz.blogspot.com/
If ordering/purchasing is your goal, Amazon.com has my book, Magician of Oz at this location:
http://www.amazon.com/Magician-Oz-James-C-Wallace/dp/0578023539/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246224375&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble also can serve this need nicely:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Magician-of-Oz/James-C-Wallace-II/e/9780578023533/?itm=1&USRI=magician+of+oz
And I even offer my book on Ebay, where autographed copies are possible:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380222658544&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Can we friend you on Facebook or other sites?

JCW: Yes. Magician of Oz is on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Magician-of-Oz/97068671901
I will admit that it’s been a bit of a struggle getting acclimated to the FaceBook way of thinking and marketing. At my age, I’m lucky to even be able to turn on the computer, let alone use it to its fullest potential. It’s a good thing I’ve got kids who can school the old man on the new ways.

Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?

JCW: I will be appearing at the Oz-Stravaganza 2010 Festival in Chittenango, New York on June 4-6, 2010. L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as Oz Fest). This year the festival will honor the centennial of The Emerald City of Oz (1910), and its dedicatee, Baum's niece, Cynthia Baum Tassini, who was from the area and died in 2004. Special guest appearance by Jerry Maren, the middle member of the Lollipop Guild and myself, James C. Wallace II, author of the Royal Magician of Oz Trilogy. I can be found in the Author's Alley, a new attraction at the festival, located near the Munchkins! I will be featuring my newest book, Volume Two, Shadow Demon of Oz as well as Volume One, Magician of Oz. For more information, see the festival's website at oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at www.chittenango.org

I will also be attending the 29th annual Wizard of Oz festival in Chesterton, Indiana, September 17, 18, and 19, 2010. Once again, I will be featuring my newest book, Volume Two, Shadow Demon of Oz as well as Volume One, Magician of Oz. The Duneland Business Initiative Group had a fantastic time bringing the Wizard of Oz Festival back to Chesterton, Indiana in 2009. For 2010, the group promises more fabulous fun! They invite the young and young of heart to Chesterton's historical downtown streets of Broadway and Calumet as they are transformed into the Land of Oz. Details are in the making for the 2010 fest, however festival goers can anticipate Saturday's festival favorite, this year named the Horse of a Different Color Parade. Festival goers will also enjoy the collections and excitement of the auction at the Oz Collectors Exchange and Auction. Again, don't step on the Ruby Slippers of the teens at the Oz-mopolitan Teen Dance; sing along with the Oz Idol contestants both days of the festival. Brunch with the Munchkins, visit the many contests; enjoy browsing through the specially selected vendor booths featuring everything from hand-crafted artisan wares to the ever-popular Oz memorabilia. http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/

Mr.Wallace, I want to thank you for stopping by to tell us about you work.  Please become a follower of this blog for more updates on the Authors Promoting Authors Virtual Book Tour and other interviews and giveaways.



Monday, April 5, 2010

Interview with Omegia Keeys

Welcome Readers and Writers! Today, I’m pleased to feature author, Omegia Keeys as part of the Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Book Tour. Post a comment to be entered in a book giveaway at the end of Omegia’s tour.











What age group is your work geared toward?

OK: 18 and older

Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?

OK: Erotic Fiction because I love to seduce my readers mind.

Tell us a little about your book.

OK: Seduction.com brings the Queen of Seduction back as the owner of an adult cam girl website. No longer an employee she finds out that things may not be all that it's cracked up to be. Being the boss has her dealing with her models’ egos, juggling her love life and family, and someone bent on making her lose everything. In the mist of all this she is trying to open up an elite club and prove that she is still the Queen Bee.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

OK: My favorite character is Erika because she is my alter ego and Heather because she was very hard for me to write the dark character.

What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?

OK: Zane introduced me to this genre of writing and put a name to it. Before this I normally wrote erotic poems. I also love mystery and thriller novels. The Partner by John Grissom will always be one of my favorites.

What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?

OK: I write whenever I get a free moment once something comes to me. If I am at work and a thought comes, I jot it down on a sticky note. Sometimes my writing comes out of order. I will have a scene that I need to get out even though I have not gotten that far yet. I prefer to just write and then go back and fill in the gaps. I post my stuff online to get feedback of the readers who aren't necessarily authors because I just want to know if they like the story itself, not all the mechanics.

Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?

OK: Just write whatever they feel and get it out. Worry about editing and organization once you are finished.

Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?

OK: I am published with Passionate Writer Publishing. The books can be purchased on their site, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and most online bookstores. It will be available on e-book in the next few weeks.

What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?

OK: http://www.omegiakeeys.com/. http://www.domesticseduction.webs.com/, and also on FB under my name.

Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?

OK: I am currently on the Domestic Seduction Book Tour and will be traveling across the country. Next stop Arkansas Literary Festival, National Black Book Festival, Almost Famous Authors Faire in Elizabethtown, IN and a few stops in Atlanta. More information can be found on www.domesticseduction.webs.com

Thank you for taking the time out to interview me.


Thanks to you Omegia and good luck on your tour!

Readers, please feel free to post a comment for Omegia. Become a follower of this blog for updates on upcoming interviews and book contests. Please take a moment follow this link to explore the world of Immortyl Revolution:

Contest winner and upcoming interview!

Congrats to Gina Leuci who won the copy of Cindy Davis's book, Final Masquerade. Tomorrow I feature author, Omegia Keeyes. Just back from the Big Apple where I was doing research and seeing friends. I wish I could have stayed!