Pauline Baird Jones: Steampunk

My special guest today is Pauline Baird Jones, sometimes known as Perilous Pauline:-) Welcome to the blog, Pauline.

We’d be fascinated to know more about you.

Hello, Susan. I started my adventures in writing in the last century, penning my first, full length novel during the first Gulf War. When I started looking for a publisher, New York was the only game in town, but something exciting was already starting to happen. By 1998, I was sick of trying to crack New York publishing and submitted PIG IN A PARK (now titled THE SPY WHO KISSED ME) to a small, digital-only publisher, one of only three dipping their toes into digital publishing. It was accepted and released in 1998. Following the release, I spent most of my promotion time trying to explain digital publishing, but the book did well with readers (yay and thanks, readers!).

It was the first digital-only release to be nominated for a ROMANTIC TIMES Reviewer’s Choice award. And my next novel, THE LAST ENEMY, was the first digital-only release to win a ROMANTIC TIMES Reviewer’s Choice award.

Congratulations on the success!

Thank you. Since then my novels have won two Epic Book Awards, two RT awards, a Dream Realm Award, a Bronze IPPY, and a Dorothy Parker Award—all without New York’s permission or attention. (grin)

Obviously, I’ve never liked being told there is one way to do anything, or that I can’t do something because “that’s just the way it is.” I took a lot of flack in my early publishing days from other authors and a few readers, but am happy to have been proved RIGHT that digital publishing is the best thing to happen to authors since, well, EVER. (grin)

Pauline, how many books have you written and in what genre(s)?

In May I released my 11^th novel (STEAMROLLED) and my eighth short story (STEAM TIME available in the DREAMSPELL STEAMPUNK anthology). They are both parts of my connected series that I call Project Enterprise.

I write, or have written in science fiction romance, SFR/.steampunk romance, romantic suspense, action adventure, humorous romantic suspense and a lone gothic. I have three non-fiction writing handbooks, too.

11? Wow! You're not only perilous but also prolific.

What prompted you to switch genres from romantic suspense to science fiction romance and then steampunk?

I started writing romantic suspense, because that’s what I read, but I also loved the action adventure novels of Alastair Maclean. I almost didn’t notice that my RS books were trending more and more into A/A and then I did notice and thought, whoa, that’s interesting.

After some pondering, I decided I liked this trend and wanted to pursue it. My first A/A book was called OUT OF TIME. The transition from this WWII time travel to outer space, well, no question it’s a bit odd and at the time, I didn’t think I was writing SFR. I thought I was just writing another A/A novel.

When reviewers and readers started calling it SFR, it kind of freaked me out. I didn’t think I did science (based on my grades in high school, though now that I consider it, I got those grades because I was making up my science back then….) Looking back at my life, I might not have read a lot of SF or SFR until recently, but my viewing tastes trended that way. I started with THE JETSONS, and worked my way through LOST IN SPACE, STAR TREK….I even liked the lame SF shows like LAND OF THE GIANTS. While I’m not a total geek girl, I do have some geek creds. J

The steampunk move is much more straightforward. I read a fun steampunk novel and thought, wow, that would be fun to write. If I hadn’t written a semi-historical novel (OUT OF TIME) I might have balked at the research, but I had and my plan at the time was to write a short story. It turned into a novella (TANGLED IN TIME) that built a fun bridge to STEAMROLLED, which is also an SFR/steampunk mashup. You can’t imagine my thrill when a review said my “soft SF was plausible.” Take that, high school science teachers!

LOL! Tell us about your latest release.

About STEAMROLLED: With all of time at risk, it’s a bad time to fall in love…unless it’s the only time…

Robert Clementyne is going on a transmogrification machine hunt. He fears finding the machine will be as difficult as pronouncing the name. How can the steam-powered device perform as advertised, and how useful can any information be, coming from a steampunk themed bowling alley/museum?

It’s pretty crazy, but he’s been there, done that, and thinks he can handle it.

And then he meets the proprietor/curator…Emily Babcock.

Emily grew up in crazy, still lives in it—hey, it’s her freaking zip code. So no worries when Robert and his team walk into her bowling alley. The first visitors ever to her museum.

But neither of them is prepared for what happens when they open the door to the past…and the future. With a side trip through Roswell…and a face-to-face meeting with an evil genius/wannabe—who is on his way to becoming evil overlord-of-everything…

And a mini blurb about my short story, STEAM TIME: The man formerly known as Tobias Smith hadn’t planned to ride along with Dr. Everly and his Medicine Show. Grifters gave him a pain their elixirs couldn’t heal. But he was headed to Marfa, too. And Everly’s “son” turned out to be a really fine looking damsel—one in distress when the ghost lights of Marfa bump them into an alternate reality complete with an automaton gang and airships.

Intriguing, indeed.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

I’m happy to report that all my books are available in print and in a variety of digital formats. The fastest why to find them is on my home page: www.paulinebjones.com

Now Pauline, tell us how you develop characters.

Some years ago, I took a directing class (I’d written a stage play and was interested in learning how to be a better playwright by studying how a director and actors brought a play to life). For my final, I had to direct a one-act play. I picked a funny piece and convinced two of my friends to play the leads. I got a good grade on the assignment, but one piece of criticism really hit me where I lived. My professor pointed out that my two friends had played their parts exactly alike. The only way to tell them apart was their hair color! I took this criticism to heart and always try to create characters that have contrast and originality—particularly important in novels since the reader can’t always “see” the hair color. I don’t make them different just to BE different or weird, but strive for distinct. I was particularly pleased by a reader review on Amazon this week. The reader wrote:

“Even more than the lovely and coherent mix of weird stuff, I loved the well-written interior narratives. Each character has a distinctive voice - enough so that changes of viewpoint don't have to be telegraphed with big rows of asterisks - and several of them are very witty as well.” (Paul Meyer)

Color me uber-pleased. To do this, I still use a lot of playwriting techniques in my character creation. I wrote an article about this topic that I posted on my website here: http://www.paulinebjones.com/getting-the-wood-out.html

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Oh, promotion! It is both pleasure (connecting with readers) and pain (feeling like that’s all you do!). I do most of my promoting online, though I do attend science fiction conventions that are within driving distance to promote my work and get support and encouragement from other writers. I also use the usual social networking sites, but I try to do soft promotion.

Instead of the constant “buy my book now,” I try to provide information and talk about elements in my books. I find this a more comfortable approach, because it reflects my own preferences as an avid reader. Buying a book is such a personal thing. How one connects with the way an author uses words, the genres they write, is personal. I have chemistry with some books and not others. I can personally like an author and not care for their books. So I don’t go into any situation believing that all the people will like what I write all the time.

I love that readers can now sample my books through kindle and other digital formats. I also try to post excerpts, so that readers can get a sense of my writing style and offer four, free stories through Omnilit/All Romance eBooks (links on my site).

Another thing I do, for fun and for my readers, is my “Behind the Book” interview with myself. I do it  right after I finish a book. This helps me capture details, trials and funny stories that I might forget for later interviews. It gives readers a peek into my creative process. I even have an interview of myself about what it is like to interview myself. Or something like that. These interviews can be found on my website by clicking on “For Readers.”

I also try to do regular giveaways, though I’m not sure how effective contests are. While I wouldn’t know what to do with “harvested” emails, people are still wary about that these days. I can’t even blame them when the spam piles up in my spam folder every morning.

I try different things, but in the end, I think the best promotion is to write the best you book you can. And then write another. And another. And another. Well, you get the picture. J

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

Right now I’m working on the next PROJECT ENTERPRISE book, which should release in Nov, 2011. After that, well, I’m mulling a new steampunk book and I also get requests for a sequel to OUT OF TIME. I would ask readers to vote, but I tend to commit random acts of writing, going where the Muse leads me, so not sure a vote would work with my Muse.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

You can find out more about me than you’d ever want to know at:

www.perilouspauline.com

Thank you so much for having me here today, Susan. You have an awesome blog!

Why thank you ma'am. It has been a pleasure to have you. Continued success with your prolific endeavors, Pauline. Come back any time!

Sylvia Dickey Smith

My very special guest today is Sylvia Dickey Smith, author of the Sidra Smart series. Sylvia, thank for coming over. Please tell us more about you.

 Hi, Susan. Thanks for hosting me on your blog. I would like to say I’ve followed your work and celebrate your success.

Thank you so much! I have read your books and own your cookbook, so I applaud your success as well.

Often, people ask me why my writing focuses on strong women. When I look back to understand that question myself, I think one of the most significant events leading to that was when—at 34—I moved to the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad & Tobago where my curiosity about the world took on a whole new dimension. Awed by the differences in customs and cultures, particularly as they related to West Indian women, I set out on a journey of study and self-discovery.

 Back in the U.S. at 40, this same curiosity propelled me to start college and didn’t stop until I achieved a B.A. in sociology with a concentration in women’s studies and a master’s in counseling. This experience opened my eyes to missed potential—my own, and women in general. Over the years, much of my study, research, and pleasure reading has focused on the history of women and the effect patriarchy has had on such.

 So, I suppose writing strong women was a natural progression.

Indeed. What an interesting background you have.

Syvlia, how many books have you written?

 I have four novels published, plus a cookbook.

• The Sidra Smart Mystery series: (available on Kindle/Nook &other e-books)The titles are: Dance On His Grave; Deadly Sins Deadly Secrets; Dead Wreckoning.
• A War Of Her Own: My latest release is a historical fiction set during WWII homefront. It recently won 1^st Place in the Press Women of Texas Annual Awards & 2^nd Place in the National Federation of Press Women contest--2010.
• Sassy Southern Classy Cajun: a cookbook

My writing features women who recreate themselves into the people they want to be, strong women who take charge of their lives and get things done. (If you've met Sidra Smart or Bea Meade, you know what I mean.) The stories dwell on the wondrous twists and turns of human behavior rooted in my background as a counselor before I became a novelist. The tales are fun, sassy, and (according to my fans) darn good reads. I hope you like these kinds of books, too! I look forward to adding you and your readers as fans.

How do you develop characters?

Having a split personality comes in handy! The best way to describe how I develop my characters is to say that I “become” each character. I crawl inside their skin, feel what they feel, think what they think, look how they look, smell what they smell, believe what they believe, talk how they talk. The difficult part of that is remembering who I am when I step outside their bodies/minds/spirits!

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

 I wish! My writing life would be so much easier if I did—but a lot less fun! I write organically. I start with a character, usually—but sometimes an idea—and head out. I discover my story much the way the story unfolds for the reader. The problem with that is it ends up requiring rewrites, plot corrections, new clues developed, and sometimes, even a new murderer for mysteries. When the person you think is the bad guy isn’t, then you have to go back and figure out who is and add new clues. However, my brain freezes when I sit down and try to outline.

 How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

 I’d have to say that my environment and my upbringing IS the color of my writing! My life experiences have crossed a broad spectrum of life, exposing me to any number of people, faiths, races, abilities/disabilities, psychological health/ill health, climates, accents, behaviors—you name it.  Each gifts me with much to pick and choose from—or, perhaps I should say—gift my characters much to work with which to pick and choose from as they reveal themselves to me, and I, to my readers. It is indeed a fun journey!

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I am so glad you asked! I’d love to. My current project is a novel called The Swamp Whisperer. It is the tale of:

 An old woman with more curiosity than good sense.

• A Paleo-Indian tribe rebuilding a lost civilization under questionable circumstances.
• A greedy college professor threatening the swamp’s eco-system.
• And an angry feminine spirit who has kept the swamp in balance for thousands of years—until now.

 This humorous yet serious tale of balance and imbalance is told through the eyes of a nosy old swamp woman who stumbles upon a plot to use ancestors of a cannibalistic Indian tribe to locate a long-abandoned silver mine, by whatever means necessary. Confused by the intermittent presence of a long-deceased, disembodied figure named Parahaia, and an old man named Shadrach who pleads she save the swamp from greedy treasure seekers, the swamp whisperer soon gets in over her head. 

 Where can folks learn more about your books and events, Sylvia?

 Websites:      www.sylviadickeysmith.com     Email: sylvia@sylviadickeysmith.com

                      www.warofherown.com

Blog:             www.writingstrongwomen.com

Sylvia, it's been a pleasure. Come back any time.

Thanks much, Susan. I look forward to hearing from your readers.

Thom Reese

My guest today is author Thom Reese. Welcome, Thom.

How many books have you written and in what genre(s)?

This is a busy year for me. My first novel, a supernatural thriller titled THE DEMON BAQASH, was released in January 2011, followed in February by my short story collection, 13 BODIES: SEVEN TALES OF MURDER AND MADNESS. I’ve also been contracted to write two books based on my audio drama series, MARC HUNTINGTON ADVENTURES. These books are action/adventure novels following the exploits of recovery specialists Marc and Dana Huntington as they traverse the globe to recover stolen treasures and missing persons. The first novel, DEAD MAN’S FIRE, should be out late this summer, the second, CHASING KELVIN, in early 2012. As well, my novel, THE EMPTY, about a race that has no genetic matrix of their own and must infuse DNA from humans and animals alike, is set for a 4^th quarter 2011 release. I’m in the midst of writing CHASING KELVIN right now and am throwing in plenty of twists and turns as well as dabbling on the fringe of horror/sci-fi concepts while keeping the overall feel true to the thriller genre. I think it’s going to be a fun ride.

Wow! You certainly are busy.
Thanks for taking time out to visit.

Tell us about The Demon Baqash.

There are two releases which came out almost simultaneously. THE DEMON BAQASH follows Trent Troxel as he tries to put his life together after personal and professional failure. He’s approached by Baqash, who claims to be a demon of hell. The demon leaves countless ancient artifacts with Trent, among them strange writings on an unknown substance. Trent soon learns that these are the demon’s own journals detailing his fall and subsequent life as one of the damned. Trent and his family are soon drawn into the demon’s scheme to undermine Satan with the goal of redemption. But there are other even more sinister powers at work, devious powers, and soon Trent must fight not only for his family’s survival but for their souls as well.

13BODIES is a collection of short stories based on my audio drama series, 21^st Century Audio Theatre, which began as a weekly radio program. Several of the audio dramas have since been published by Speaking Volumes. I was then asked by my publisher to write this short story collection based on the dramas. The book is a true mixed bag, there’s sci-fi, horror, suspense, psychological thrillers, even comedy. My favorite of the stories is FAMILY LEGACY, a tale about a family in which the greatest honor that can be given is for a family member to kill another family member with great creativity and style. There’s another story about a vegetarian vampire, some murders, a Twilight Zone style sci-fi. Every story takes the reader to a different place.

Were any of your books more challenging to write than the others? 

I think the Marc Huntington books have brought with them a particular challenge. In addition to the fact that I tend to write more horror than anything else, I had originally developed the characters for an audio drama series. Just as with the short stories of 13 BODIES, Speaking Volumes approached me about doing a book series based on these characters. I was excited – and still am – but found that I needed to approach these characters from an entirely different mindset. The audio dramas are fun, action-packed adventures, the characters entertaining and prone to banter. This worked perfectly in the audio dramas, but in a novel these characters needed much more depth, a more three dimensional quality. The reader needs to care for the characters and so Marc and Dana needed to be transformed into people with multi-faceted relationships, flaws, strengths, motivations. They needed to be rounded out in a way that never could have occurred in a 30 minute audio drama. As well, the story lines needed to go through the same process. I’ve brought in subplots that never would have worked in the other format. I’ve added characters, back stories. These books have been challenging and fun.

How do you develop characters, Thom?

To me a story is always about the character. If I don’t, at some level, care about the protagonist than I really don’t care about the story. There can be wonderful plot twists, surprises, reversals, the works, but if it’s all plot with cookie-cutter players I’m not onboard. For my characters, I try to give strengths and weaknesses, goals and beliefs that are at odds with one another. Real people aren’t consistent. Someone who is for the most part a good person might make some horrible choices. A person might make one decision on Monday, but on Tuesday, when faced with the same situation, take another route. I give my characters detailed back stories. Even if the information never makes it into a book, I need to know where this person has come from, what he/she believes, what the person’s goals and ambitions are, what personal demons he/she faces. I never create a character based on a real person, but I do sometimes borrow traits from people I’ve encountered and throw them into a character’s mix. I’ll use speech patterns, mannerisms, style of dress, but never more than one from the same individual, and even these, I usually add a twist to make something fresh. Once I’ve created a character, I place him/her into a situation and try to write the responses based on how I believe this particular individual would react. This will often help to determine the direction of the plot. “What would this person do when confronted with this problem? What if this was revealed to him/her? What would be the reaction?”

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

As far as plot is concerned, I usually start writing with a vague idea as to where the story is going. I’ll write the first five or six chapters with no outline or thought as to how the story will end. Soon there comes a point where I need to start making real decisions. But, by then, I’ve had a chance to become better acquainted with my characters and with the general flow of the story. At this point I start writing down plot points. They aren’t necessarily in order yet, some of them may not even make it into the story, but I’ll write down every idea I have on 3X5 cards. Eventually, I take the cards and start putting them in order. “Well, this needs to happen before this. Oh! And if this happens, I need to add a scene earlier on that sets it up.” Often one or more of the original chapters is deleted in favor of another that fits the overall movement of the plot and characters. Again, I let my characters lead the way. I try to stay true to how a particular character would react under certain stimuli. And if the person acts contrary to character, there needs to be a reason. These cards become my outline. But, that said, I’m always willing to take an unscheduled turn if I think of something later in the process. In THE DEMON BAQASH, I added a significant event in my final draft, and that event is the one that most people tell me is their favorite scene in the book.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Here are some links where you can find me, my books, and my audio dramas:

THE DEMON BAQASH, available in print as well as eBook formats: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+demon+baqash&x=13&y=19 )

13 BODIES: SEVEN TALES OF MURDER AND MADNESS, available in print as well as eBook formats: http://www.amazon.com/13-Bodies-Seven-Murder-Madness/dp/1612320031/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309538260&sr=1-2    

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1811384049

Blog: THROUGH THOM TINTED LENSES: http://thomreese.wordpress.com/

Blog: THE JOURNALS OF THE DEMON BAQASH: http://demonbaqash.wordpress.com/

Speaking Volumes (publisher): http://www.speakingvolumes.us/results.asp

L &L Dreamspell (publisher): http://www.lldreamspell.com/ThomReese.htm

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ThomReese   

Thanks for dropping by, Thom, and continued success!    

Gerard de Marigny and The Watchman of Ephraim

Gerard de Marigny  has lived an eclectic life – starting off as the lead guitarist for the hard rock band AMERICADE. He's worked for and owned a few businesses but always with the secret aspiration to write novels. He tried his hand at detective mysteries twenty years ago and then put his writing ambitions to bed for two decades. In that time,  he became an avid reader of Tom Clancy and W.E.B. Griffin. Right after reading Book One of Griffin's outstanding 'The Corps' series, he knew, "THAT'S what I want to write … thrillers!" Griffin writes historical thrillers, though. Gerard wanted to deal with current and future world issues more akin to Clancy et al. There are some fantastic writers in the genre now – a whole new breed including people like Brad Thor, William Tyree, Craig Hickman, Joseph Flynn, etc. He's working very hard at being counted with this group.

Welcome, Gerard. Congratulations on the release of The Watchman of Ephraim. What will readers like about it?

I try to write books that I want to read. The Watchman of Ephraim is a fast-paced thriller based around a lead character (Cris De Niro) whom I'd like to be, who is surrounded by people I'd like to know, who is doing something I'd like to do! (grin)

I hope the reader feels transformed into the story. I hope the settings, backgrounds, details, etc. of all of my novels are perceived as real (I put lots of time into making sure they are) because those are the things I like when I read thrillers.

To me, fiction is at its best when most of it isn't fiction when it's believable because when it's believable, I care and when I care, I'm hooked. I've felt very blessed from the messages that readers of TWOE have sent telling me how they were brought to tears in the beginning and how they were cheering for my man, Cris De Niro, at the end in other words, they cared, which means I did my job.

Can you share how you name your characters?

I usually use pieces of names of real people. For instance, if the character is an Iranian terrorist, I actually find names of real Iranian terrorists and morph them in some way. For other positive characters I've used bits and pieces of names of people I know and love. I've even been known to use names from old movies – but I won't say which. (grin) I've never just fabricated a character name though – down to the most minor character. Every name has a reason and meaning to me.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

In The Watchman of Ephraim the protagonist's name is Cris De Niro. De Niro is guy about my age, born and raised in the same place I was born, Ridgewood, New York but while I was in a heavy metal band, De Niro was becoming one of the top hedge fund managers and one of the youngest and richest in the world. 9/11 happens and he loses his wife and unborn son and he learns the awful lesson that all the money in the world can't bring back your loved ones … so that CAN'T be the point of life.

His epiphany of faith is his biggest strength. He dedicates himself to doing his Judeo-Christian God's Will, in a way that means the most to him – protecting other Americans from the type of terrorists that murdered his wife. De Niro's other strength's include his aptitude – especially his financial savvy and his 'street smarts' from growing up in  a tough neighborhood and his affable personality. De Niro's the type of guy that could drink a cup of coffee with the President of the United States and a pint with a friend and come across with the same savoir-faire to both. His main flaw, although I'm not sure it's as much a flaw as an internal struggle is his dedication to his deceased wife. Ten years pass after chapter two when the towers fell and De Niro still can't come to terms with things like not wearing his wedding ring or becoming romantically involved with another woman.

Tell us more! Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

My debut thriller, The Watchman of Ephraim was published in January (2011). It's the first novel in 'The Watchman of Ephraim' series. The hardcover and (trade) paperback editions are available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and a host of other fine booksellers around the world. Signed copies are available on my website. It's also available in virtually every eBook format (Kindle, NOOK, iBook, Kobo, etc.) from Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.

Who are your favorite authors?

The authors that influenced me most outside my genre are Jack London (White Fang was the first novel I ever read), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and lots of pulp fiction writers, too many to mention.

My genre is thriller. The first thriller writer that knocked my socks off was Stephen Hunter and his great novel, Point of Impact. If you want to drill down to subgenre, The Watchman of Ephraim is a political thriller or geo-political thriller. In those genres, the writer who inspired me most was/is Tom Clancy. However, I'm probably most influenced by W.E.B. Griffin. I absolutely loved his The Corps series and although he writes mostly historical, war fiction WEB is/was my favorite! His son W.E.B. is now doing most of the writing, also a great writer.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I'm about half-way through with the sequel to TWOE. It's called Signs of War  and it will be available in September (2011) in hardcover, trade paper and all eBook formats.

I'm also developing a story outside of The Watchman of Ephraim series that I will be available in January and I'm doing two radio interviews, one on June 14th and then another on December 21st (both 5pm eastern time) with Fran Lewis and Marcia Cook on BlogTalkRadio.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events, Gerard

Here are a few places you can keep in touch with me and buy my books. I can mostly be found on my Facebook page (If you hit the “like” button, you can read 7 chapters of The Watchman of Ephraim for free) and on Twitter. My website will always have my most up-to-date info too. Thanks for this opportunity, Susan … peace everyone and hope to hear from you!

Same to you, Gerard. Best wishes on the success of your book!

You can keep up with Gerard de Marigny on his website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace.

Purchase personalized, signed hardback and paperback editions of _TWOE_ at his website.
Paperback Available at CreateSpace, Amazon.com  and BarnesandNoble.com!

Hardcover Available at Amazon.com  and BarnesandNoble.com!

Available for most eBook platforms at Smashwords.com, for Kindle at Amazon.com , for Nook at BarnesandNoble.com!
Tune into author Gerard de Marigny's irreverent blog, 'The World According to g'

Gerard de Marigny also publishes a special blog for self-publishers called 'Self-Publisher's Diary: Author's Log' where he journals his experiences as a self-publisher.

Laurel Osterkamp

Minnesota author, Laurel Osterkamp, is my guest today. Good morning, Laurel. Thanks for coming over.

Thanks for having me over, Susan.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written two full length novels, Following My Toes, and Starring in the movie of My Life. I’ve also written a semi-short e-book called Looking For Ward. All of them qualify as women’s fiction because they were written with a female audience in mind, but I like to think they don’t follow a specific formula.

Tell us about your latest book. Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Starring in the Movie of My Life is available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Smashwords. It’s in print and in any e-book formula you could possibly want, including Kindle and Nook.

There are two main characters. Thirty-five-year-old Samantha acts without thinking. Her heart is huge while her sense of purpose is small; she's willing to fight for those she loves, but she's never learned to fight for herself. Eighteen-year-old Melody is cold and calculating, and she's driven by the desire to better herself. As these compelling yet deeply flawed women battle for the affections of 25-year-old Nathan, he becomes increasingly confused and torn between them. Starring in the Movie of my Life is told alternately from both Samantha's and Melody's points-of-view and relates two complete yet combined stories about love, acceptance, and redemption. It speaks to our universal desire to be saved by the ones we love, and the monumental effort required to save ourselves

How do you develop characters? Setting?

I started by assigning both Melody and Samantha with a heroic quality, something that would inform the choices that they make throughout the story. After that the rest just fell into place. As for setting, I imagined a town not unlike Duluth, Minnesota, where I went to college. But my story takes place in Shannon, Wisconsin, which a fictional town.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

Samantha is tremendously loyal and brave when it comes to protecting the people she loves. Melody is, above all else, a survivor. Each one represents the flip side of the other. They are both very flawed. Samantha drifts from thing to thing, and has trouble with follow-through. Melody is driven, and ruthless to the point that she’ll hurt other people in order to get what she wants.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track?

I just revise a lot, and I make sure never go too long without writing so I don’t lose track of the story. I also meet with a writing group, so I get a lot of feedback during my writing process. They let me know when I something’s inconsistent or unrealistic.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

Well, I teach high school Film Studies and TV Production. So much of the story takes place in a high school, and there are countless references to movies and film making.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I’ve been focusing on developing my blog, "Laurel’s Open Page", where I post book reviews. I also write posts about reading and pop culture, and there’s usually some reference to teaching high school.

We'll have to check out your blog. Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

www.laurelosterkamp.blogspot.com

http://www.laurelosterkamp.com/                                     

Thank you for the interview, Susan.

My pleasure, Laurel. Continued success!

Tom Temple's Cheese Grits

Do you love cheese grits as much as I do? I couldn't resist interviewing Tom Temple.


Tom, welcome to the blog. You book's title got my attention. LOL. I’d be fascinated to know more about you.

How many books have you written? In what genres?

My latest book is Cheese Grits, Stories to Nourish the Southern Soul. It is a collection of short stories spanning the years from 1948 through 1968. It’s about growing up in the 1950s and 60s. It is a balance of stories about coming-of-age events from those times and the larger events that influenced and molded the values of a generation. These larger events are seen from the unique perspective of the children who lived through them. It gives some insights into how the values and priorities of the “sixties generation” evolved.

The first complete book I wrote is a massive how-to book about restoration of antique clocks completed in 2005. It is around 750 pages long with over 2,500 color photos and graphics. Because of its size, the volume of color photos and the relatively small audience, it was only practical to produce in electronic format. It was released in a pdf format and supplied on a single CD. I created a web site to promote the book (http://www.xrestore.com) then worked for several years to push the site to the number one search response for the keywords “clock restoration”. The book has sold well globally since being released and continues to sell well today. Just a few weeks ago, I released a paper version of the book in black and white.

What books or authors have influenced you, Tom?

Like a lot of reading enthusiasts, my reading tastes are broad. I love the non-fiction writings of David McCullough. His book, John Adams, brings our founders to life like no one has done before.

At the other extreme, I have read and reread everything Douglas Adams wrote in his foreshortened life. He had a unique way to compose a sentence and a madly imaginative mind.

What is your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

The thing I find most rewarding is when a reader looks up while reading something I wrote and says, “I know exactly what you are saying here.” In Cheese Grits, one reader, who is a baby boomer, said that she wanted her grandchildren to all read the book to understand what it was like when grandma was growing up. I found that the highest compliment I’ve ever received.

Is it available in print, eBook, and Kindle formats?

Cheese Grits is available in all popular formats: paperback and hardbound through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other traditional book sellers; eBook formats for Kindle, Sony, Nook, Apple and others.

Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt?

I have written professionally since my mid-twenties when I created technical books and training materials. There is no doubt that my writing has improved over the years thanks in part to technology (there was no such thing as ‘spell check’ or ‘grammar check’ when I started out), but mostly to those people I trust for input and criticism. By keeping my ears open and my mouth shut, I’ve learned a great deal about how to improve a draft.

Were any of your books more challenging to write than the others? If so, why?

Extreme Restoration, my book about clock restoration, was easily the most challenging to create. I wanted a book that provided accurate, period-correct restoration techniques, presented in a form that the average restorer could follow. Unfortunately, many of original techniques were poorly documented or not documented at all. It took several years of research to nail down accurate procedures. Then, I had to carefully write up the procedures for each technique, including sourcing of period-correct materials. Finally, I had to accurately photograph the key steps of each process. All in all, I think I have over 2,000 hours in the first edition of the book.

Do you have specific techniques you use to develop the plot and stay on track with your writing?

I usually get a thread of an idea then rush to get the essential points down in writing. This is particularly true of a story. This draft is very brief and usually not particularly interesting.

I then look at the sketch and try to determine the real point I’m trying to make.

What do I want readers to get from Cheese Grits?

Some stories were intended to be reflections of those coming-of-age events we all experienced (early dating, the differences between girls and boys, the less than intelligent things teen males often do). Other stories were intended to show how some events of those times deeply influenced the lifelong values of the children who lived through them. Things like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the growing specter of Vietnam had a profound effect on the values and worldview of a generation.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?


I grew up in the south, in and around Atlanta. I left the south in my mid-twenties and only returned some thirty years later, in 2006. Returning to the south, as well as growing a bit older, has made me realize that the places and times of my youth were special and in some ways magical. Individual imagination, not video games, drove our lives as children. It is something I will be eternally grateful for.

I'm with you, Tom! I truly appreciate my roots and my over-active imagination too.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Promotion, particularly as an independent writer, is challenging and requires imagination and commitment to a long term effort.

For the non-fiction Extreme Restoration, I created a strong web presence which provides free how-to information to interested clock restorers. I also work with the largest clock enthusiast organization by writing a series of how-to articles for their magazine. I communicate regularly with clock enthusiast clubs to stay in their minds.

Cheese Grits is targeted more to the general public or, more specifically, baby boomers. To promote this book, I created a new web site that encouraged participation in forums about events and remembrances of the 1950s and 60s. I’ve also distributed dozens of reader copies in order to promote reviews on Amazon and B&N. I promote the book on Twitter, Facebook, Booktown and other book-related social network sites. There are really dozens and dozens of book-related web sites interested in new works and willing to help an author get the word out. I try to find some new way to promote or increase awareness every day. I keep a log of my efforts to track what I’m working on and to keep me honest. Promoting a new book is a long term effort and a lot of work, but the results are worth it.

Can you tell us about current or future projects, Tom?

I’ve hooked up with several childhood friends as a result of Cheese Grits and we have begun sharing memories. It may lead to another book of stories or I may try to advance the current stories beyond its 1968 end point.

How wonderful!

I’m also working more on the non-fiction clock book angle. I find that there is a wealth of clock designs I’ve not touched on in current offerings. I continue to collect information with the intent of a second volume on high quality restoration techniques.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I have a number of web sites your readers may find interesting:

http://www.xrestore.com is the site created for clock restoration. It continues to evolve as I add new information.

http://www.cheesegritsbook.com/ was created to promote Cheese Grits, Stories to Nourish the Southern Soul. It is something of a nostalgia site where “boomers” can share stories.

http://www.timespastpublishing.com/ is a site I created to promote both of the current books as well as any future books. Times Past is an LLC I created to keep track of my writing and promotion expenses as well at any revenue generated.                                      

                                                           

Friendship Contest

Good morning, everyone! I hope you're having a fabulous morning. I just had a brainstorm I want to tell you about. I'm currently working on a new novel about life-long friendship.


I'd like to have original quotes about friendship to include. While I can Google plenty of quotes, I thought it would be more special to ask you guys to come up with a brief but profound quotation about friendship. If I use yours in the book, you will be cited underneath. If you're game, go for it in the "comments" section, but make sure it's original. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.




GOOD LUCK!