Lissa Brown, a High Country Author

I had the pleasure of meeting author Lissa Brown at the first "High Country Festival of the Book" in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I invited her over to tell us more about herself and her writing.

Lissa Brown tells folks in her new Appalachian Mountain home in NC that she got there as fast as she could. It only took 62 years to travel from her native New Jersey via the Washington, DC area. She’s a self-acknowledged seat-of-the-pants writer who retired after successful careers in teaching, marketing and public relations to do what she wants to do—write full time.

   A former columnist, media relations consultant for political campaigns, speech writer and anything else that paid the mortgage, she wrote a humorous memoir about her first 18 months in Appalachia and an award-winning YA novel. In between those two projects she contributed several essays to anthologies and volunteered in a local literacy project. She tries to play bluegrass banjo but admits she started about 50 years too late to be able to do it publicly without great embarrassment.
 

Welcome, Lissa.

Give a short synopsis of your most recently published book.      

Thanks, Susan.

   Family Secrets: Three Generations chronicles an extraordinary relationship between a granddaughter and her dead grandmother. With her grandmother as her mentor, young Ellen Brodsky survives the trials of a seriously dysfunctional family and the throes of dawning adolescence. The family maintains several secrets, but the one that provides redemption for three generations of women is kept by Grandma Hannah and revealed in a surprising manner at the end of the book.
 

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters of the book?
 

That depends on who you ask. Family members claim to see more of me in the young girl than I believe is there. I’ve used a few incidents from my own life in the book. Because the family contains two parents and two children as mine did, and the setting is very like the place where I grew up in New Jersey, people have assumed incorrectly that this is a thinly veiled autobiography, which it definitely is not. The girl’s voice sounds like mine in ways that reflect life in a NJ city, but her character does not mimic mine. I’ve given up trying to convince some people that I’m not Ellen Brodsky. Like all readers, they see what they want to in the book.
 

Do your characters take on a life of their own? If so, which is your favorite?
 

Definitely. From the first chapter I was amazed how they pushed and pulled me to tell the story the way they wanted me to. It’s the most astonishing experience I’ve had in my writing life.

I’m partial to Grandma Hannah, a warm, wise woman who lived from 1890-1930 and is constantly baffled by the 1940s and 1950s when her granddaughter was growing up. I love her sense of humor and the unconditional love and wisdom she offers Ellen.
 

What challenges did you face while writing this book?
 

This was my first work of fiction. Since I’d only written non-fiction, it was difficult at first to let my imagination run free. I’d always been fact-based and cut my teeth on journalistic writing and I had a tough time believing it was okay to make things up. I’ve confessed to fellow fiction writers that I was dead wrong when I used to believe writing fiction was easy. It was the most difficult writing I’ve ever done and I felt completely inadequate until I received some great affirmation from other writers whose work I admire.
 

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? Any advice for others?
 

I had a lot to learn about writing a novel and still do. I had to learn to trust myself to follow my characters and relinquish control of the story until I saw where they wanted to take me. I didn’t always give in, but I learned to compromise with them. Usually, they were right. There are so many rules about writing that trying to follow them all can be paralyzing. I’ve learned there is not going to be such a thing as perfection in my eyes or the eyes of readers.

My advice to others is to learn the rules and then figure out which ones you choose to break to get the result that pleases you. Get critiques from as many other writers as you can. They walk in your shoes and often see things you don’t.
 

 Tell us your goals for 2012 and beyond.
 

I’m finishing a second novel about a gay boy who is bullied by his father and others. I hope to publish it by the end of the year or at the beginning of 2013. I’m also working on a third novel that is entirely different from the first two, aimed at an adult market and exploring characters who focus on body images to the possible exclusion of deeper characteristics of people. When I need a break, I play with a series of humorous vignettes that I might compile into another humorous work reflecting what we really did as kids that we might not want children and grandchildren to know about while they’re young. I hope to develop a blog in the next six months if I can cope with the technology.

 

Where can folks learn more about your writing?
 

By the grace of divine intervention, I managed to develop a website, www.lissabrownwrites.com, and hope visitors will tell me if I’ve mastered the art of southern hospitality. Y’all come.

 

Folks, here's a buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Secrets-Generations-Lissa-Brown/dp/1466497793

 

 

 

A unique recipe book, for sure!

When I started my blog in 2009, I didn’t want people to become nauseous over blatant promotion of my Logan Hunter Mystery series so I seldom posted anything at all. Soon other bloggers began to invite me over to their blogs for interviews about my Logan Hunter Mystery series. This pleased me, and I decided that I’d reciprocate.

I started interviewing a multitude of writers and other industry experts. For several months I was inundated with appreciative authors, and I absolutely loved doing it. I still interview authors but not 30 in thirty days as I did then. I also wanted to continue to find ways to promote other writers as much as they promote me. You know, scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

That’s the rationale behind the cookbook, KILLER RECIPES. I have a friend who writes cookbooks with a twist—something I never expected to do. However, the idea to compile recipes from mystery writers across the country and give them some free promotion would not go away, so I asked other writers if they’d submit recipes for a cookbook with proceeds going to cancer research, not into my own personal pocket. Over sixty writers signed up. 

Many writers who submitted recipes were either cancer survivors or have been profoundly touched by this horrible disease. I only wish I’d had enough room to tell each one’s story as well. My grandson, Caleb, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was only two-years-old. I am thrilled to say that Caleb is now 12-years-old and cancer-free, thanks to research and a team of incredible doctors. I dedicated this cookbook to him and all other victims of cancer. It is not, however, a low-fat cookbook, and even though the title sounds ominous, we’re just having a little fun. We renamed recipes to fit the murder mystery theme. For example my peanut brittle recipe is now “Brittle Bones”.

The purpose of KILLER RECIPES is to raise money for research and simultaneously give writers a little free promotion. Under each recipe I listed the contributing author, book titles, and web sites. We plan to sell these books wherever we do signings—fairs, festivals, Relay For Life events, wineries, you name it. Some folks are collaborating on signings in their part of the country and asking local book and gift shops to carry a few copies. Someone came up with the idea of serving a couple of recipes at signings. I haven’t done that yet, but I plan on it. Many are blogging and promoting it online and everywhere they can. Kudos to L&L Dreamspell for offering to publish the book and donating their percentage of sales to the cause.

The book is available online in print and at your favorite local stores. If they don’t have it in stock, they can order it for you. It’s also in ebook and Kindle format.  We’re hoping folks will buy plenty of copies of Killer Recipes to give as gifts and join our efforts to eradicate cancer.

KILLER RECIPES  print   ISBN 978-1-60318-350-5    $11.51

KILLER RECIPES ebook  ISBN 978-1-60318-351-2    $ 4.99

By the way, don’t forget to check out my other books at www.susanwhitfieldonline or look me up on Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanwhitfield

Award-winner, Christy Tillery French visits

Award-winning, internationally published author and poet Christy Tillery French’s books cross several genres, including mystery, humorous fiction, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, action-adventure and Southern fiction. They include The Bodyguard series as well as several standalones. She is co-author of Whistling Woman, a Southern Appalachian faction she wrote with her sister Cyndi Hodges under the pseudonym CC Tillery. Christy was listed in the book 50 Great Writers You Should be Reading, 2010. She is a small business owner and presently reviews books for Midwest Book Review and Amazon Vine Voice. She serves on the Board of Directors of Tennessee Mountain Writers.  I had the pleasure of meeting Christy and her sister Cyndi a few weeks ago. I hope you enjoy this interview with Christy. I'm inviting Cyndi to come on the blog soon.

Welcome, Christy! Describe your writing in three words.

Action- adventure (does that count as one or two??), suspense and romance

How many books have you written?

So far, ten have been published. I’m presently working on two more: a post-apocolyptic action-adventure and the next in the Bodyguard series, The Bodyguard and Bridezilla.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

That would be Whistling Woman, the Southern/Appalachian faction (part fact, part fiction) I co-wrote with my sister Cyndi Hodges aka Caitlyn Hunter.

In the waning years of the 19th century, Bessie Daniels grows up in the small town of Hot Springs in western North Carolina. Secure in the love of her father, resistant to her mother’s desire that she be a proper Southern belle, Bessie is determined to forge her own way in life. Or, as her Cherokee great-grandmother Elisi puts it, to be a whistling woman. Do your characters take on a life of their own? If so, which is your favorite?

Whistling Woman is based on actual persons and centers around Bessie Daniels, my great-aunt who grew up in Hot Springs, NC during the late 1800s. Bessie was a psychic, healer and strong, independent woman who I think was born 100 years before her time. Although I only knew her as a small child, researching this book and listening to stories from my dad about Bessie and her family and the mountain people surrounding them helped my sister Cyndi and me to see her in a different light. Although we wove fictional characters around her, Bessie was clear to us from the start, as was the rest of her family. Cyndi and I felt we at times channeled her while writing, as it seemed she simply stepped into our minds and took over. Although we both have different voices, now when we read the book, we have trouble remembering who wrote what. Proof positive that Aunt Bessie was with us!

My favorite character is her papa, John Daniels, constable of Hot Springs. He was a man who loved his family and wanted the best for them although at times he and Bessie didn’t see eye-to-eye about these issues, especially when it came to Bessie’s choice of the man she wanted to marry.

Is it available in print and digital formats?

Yes, it’s available in all ebook formats, as a print hardback and paperback. It can be purchased online or at any brick-and-mortar store. If it’s not on the shelf, it will be in the store’s system for ordering.

What challenges did you face while writing this book?

I think the greatest challenge dealt with vernacular, making sure words spoken during that time were correct. We use a lot more slang today than during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also, Cyndi and I researched this book for 3 years, as we wanted the historical and regional facts to be correct. For this, we utilized many books and spent quite a few hours in the Marshall and Hot Springs Libraries and at the Courthouse in Marshall, NC. We feature a Cherokee figure (Bessie’s great-grandmother) and, through her, relay much information about the Cherokee culture, legends and medicine. That took extensive research. We also introduced a Melungeon character and this research was perhaps the most frustrating because they are a people unsure of their heritage although I read recently that DNA has provided that answer. But the way they were ostracized and poorly treated was quite interesting, although sad, and we wanted to emphasize that through this character.

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?

Don’t self-sabotage. This is something I do regularly and I have to force myself to stop. Above all, don’t give up. I know too many talented authors who have done so and it’s sad. Keep learning, keep moving ahead, keep pushing yourself forward. It’s worth the journey.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Thorugh my website: http://christytilleryfrench.com. I also have an author’s site at AuthorsDen: http://authorsden.com/christytilleryfrench    

Thanks for the interview, Susan, and allowing me to share information about Whistling Woman and my books.

My pleasure, Christy. I hope to see you again soon.

Mary L. Ball discusses her book

Mary L. Ball lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. When she's not enjoying the outdoors--mainly fishing--she writes novels and Christian articles. Her passion is weaving together inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries.

Welcome, Mary. It was such a pleasure to meet you at High Country Festival of the Book last week.

Please tell folks where you live, and how your environment affects your writing.

I live in a small town in North Carolina; sometimes my views on things are different. For example: with the exception of Wal-Mart and CVS the main street rolls up at six-pm, everything closes. So, I tend to draw information from my rural surroundings that don’t fit, in most of today’s society. I’ve had to learn to compare things to the larger towns located twenty-five miles away  

Is it available in print and digital formats?

Yes, the novel is available in both paperback and eBooks, as well as audio.   

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?

Writing is a growing process. I learned to take the criticism and rejections as a chance to better my skills. No determined author has time to wallow in negative responses-you simply rewrite and go on. If a writer truly wants to become an author they can’t give up. Don’t let others trample on your dreams. Life is what we make of it, not what people tell us it should be.

  
Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?

I am constantly writing down bits and pieces of inspiration. I keep my grandson so life around my house is busy and doesn’t always afford me the time to sit at my computer when a thought hits. I go into my office and jot things down in a note book, sometimes I even get up in the middle of the night to make a quick note.

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

My work in progress is titled (for now) The Ring of Fate

Here’s a bit about it:

 There are those who’ve been blessed over the centuries by a tiny gold band, a mysterious object that causes lives to change-sometimes forever. 

Gracie has given up on everything but her work after becoming the youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company she believes life is complete. Her grandmother or “Granny Kay” as Gracie calls her asks her to oversee renovations at the family home, in addition to searching for a missing heirloom.

First contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Gracie experiences strange dreams. Feelings surface; she doesn't understand; mere thoughts that should remain unspoken, is voiced. Gracie’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself-forcing her to question everything she believes.

Is this magic or just her soul reaching out for a different world, a life that she can only find through faith and a divine trust in God?  

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I love for folks to visit me website and leave comment.

http://MaryLouwrites.webbly.com

I’m a bit blog deficient but I try anyway.

http://inspirationalfictionauthor.blog.com/

Thanks for dropping by, Mary, and I hope to see you at other events.

Favorite character names

We writers get attached to our characters...some more than others, and some with catchy names we hope the readers "get". I have to say that after writing four mysteries with loads of weird characters, my favorite name is Nita Quicki in Hell Swamp. The name certainly fits her promiscuous lifestyle.

What's your favorite character name and why?

Beth Bares

Beth Bares is a 49-year-old married mother with two grown children. She has lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana all of her life. Never aspiring to be a writer, she was shocked to discover the exciting new world of writing. During the aftermath of a hurricane, with no electricity and nothing new to read, she began handwriting her first novel. And with the help of It soon turned into a trilogy.

Welcome, Beth.

Describe your writing in three words.

Spontaneous, adventurous, witty

How many books have you written?

I’ve written 3 books – a Paranormal Series, titled The Dreams Trilogy.  I’m currently half way finished with my fourth book, a stand alone, fun chick-lit.  I’m having quite a bit of fun with it.  Also, I’m working on a contemporary romance which is a stand alone.

That's interesting, indeed. I've written four mysteries and just finished my first women's fiction, Slightly Cracked. I enjoyed the fun and change very much too.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

Elizabeth Reynolds, best-selling author of paranormal romance, has lived her life-long fantasy of magic powers and immortals through her books, stories based on actual dreams of another world, always wishing the fantasy were reality.

However, when her best friend and the love of her life both confess to having those special gifts, Elizabeth is totally freaked. She doesn’t know whether to be fearful, jealous, or thrilled over the fact her dream world really does exist.

As her dreams evolve into daytime visions, which play out in realty, fear takes precedent over all other emotions. Admitting the visions, to those close to her, confirms their suspicion that Elizabeth carries the Seventh Power Mark, one of the most powerful in the immortal world. As her powers began to develop and manifest, the dangers of the immortal world become more than she bargained for. Now, her life depends on the most powerful men in the immortal world, the LeRenoir Council. However, Elizabeth’s powers sense that even the council may harbor evil.

She can embrace this new world and the man she loves, facing whatever danger it may involve and the changes it will require, or she can return to her old life.

Elizabeth knows her heart’s desire and it doesn't include taking direction from a bunch of over protective, stuffy, egotistical immortals.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book? 

I’ve had more than a few people tell me they recognize a little of me in several of my characters, and they are right.  It amazed me how my personality came through as each of my characters developed. 

True for most writers, I suspect. 

Do your characters take on a life of their own? If so, which is your favorite?

Most definitely!  I know this is going to sound strange, but on many occasions I felt they should take this path or that path.  But they refused to budge until I let them have their way.

Are they available in print and digital formats?  

The Dreams Trilogy is available in print and digital through my website (www.bethbares.com) and Amazon.com. 

What challenges did you face while writing this book?

The biggest challenge was the ending for each book.  Making the decision on where to give the characters a rest was hard.  I have two characters that always want the last word..haha  Also, deciding whether a trilogy was a good idea.  Should there be more?  It’s a tough decision, especially when there is still a story there.  Like I mentioned earlier, a couple of stubborn characters can go on and on.  

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers? 

I’m a little embarrassed to say, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is basic grammar.

It didn’t help the fact that I hated English in school and did what I needed to do in order to pass.  I knew from the beginning, an editor would need to get involved.  I am so blessed and grateful for the relationship my editor and I have.  We definitely click and I value her advice, suggestions and her awesome talent and skills. 

As far as advice for other writers…this is going to sound cliché, but I have to say, being true to who you are.  Don’t write like your favorite author or a favorite book.  Our voices are our own.  I really feel if you have a story to tell, your thoughts will be able to write that manuscript better than anyone.  And when it comes to publishing, read, read, and read some more.  Find the publisher that fits your needs, but most of all your writing needs to fit with a publisher.  Being offered a contract is a wonderful feeling, but don’t let the excitement get in the way of making sure it’s a perfect fit.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?

Mostly in my head, but I’m constantly going through post-it-notes which I have in my purse!  It could be anything from locations, personalities, quotes, experiences, etc.  Then as often as I can, which is about once every week, I transfer my posties to a notebook until I’m ready to use them.  

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

My avenue for marketing is people like you, Susan.  As writers we are so blessed to have individuals like you who are willing to put our name and books out there.  Booktown is a wonderful website.  I was thrilled when a good friend of mine, Laura Burks, author of Altered, recommended I join.  I’ve advertised my book covers on Booktown for a very reasonable price that fits a debut author’s budget.  The response from advertising on Booktown has been great.

Needless to say, the marketing paths are pretty much endless.  At first, I was in overload until I finally managed to get on a schedule.  For me, I had to decide how much time and money I was going to spend on promotions.  I have certain days during the month that are dedicated to checking e-mails, reading review blogs, posting to Facebook and my personal website (www.bethbares.com)   Once a month, I hold interviews and or a contest. 

Researching and contacting conferences, workshops and independent bookstores that recognize my genre are a must. When I get a response, bookmarks, business cards and books for giveaways are mailed.  This is an awesome promotion outlet.  I have not been turned down yet.  It’s free for them, and your name and titles are in hands you would never have come face to face with. 

One last thing…Free books to readers are essential.  I know this can get expensive for an author, but I promise, the joy you get from giving is priceless.   

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for the rest of this year or beyond? 

I’m very excited with 2012 thus far.  My goal was to have The Dreams Trilogy published by the end of this year.  Book 1, Dreams of Reality, released on March 9^th, book 2, Reality of Life, released June 24^th.  The last book, Life of Forever, will be available on October 1^st. 

My goal for January thru June, 2013 is publication of the two manuscripts I’m currently writing.  I feel it’s a good time line for me.  

I do have other ideas for additional books, but will get to those soon enough.  I’m nowhere near closing my notebook or tossing my post-it-notes.  As long as I have one fan, I’ll continue to put my voice into words. 

Where can folks learn more about your books and events? 

I post events and upcoming news for my books on Booktown, of course. 

That's www.booktown.com for those who might not be familiar with that site.

Also, my author page at Amazon.com  

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=beth+bares&sprefix=beth+bares%2Caps%2C284

My website (www.bethbares.com).  I have quite a bit of information about my books, along with favorite websites and authors on my website.  You can find me on Facebook too.  Send me a friend request.

Beth, it has been a pleasure to learn more about you. I'll see you around Booktown and other places.

New Hampshire's Cindy Davis

Cindy Davis resides in the green/white/brown—depending on the season—state of New Hampshire where she spends most of her time at the computer either editing or writing. When she’s finally released upon society to autograph her latest book, do a talk, or research the next in the Angie Deacon series—heaven help the people she meets. Shutting her up becomes tantamount to stopping a volcano!

Welcome to the blog, Cindy. I've battened down the hatches. LOL.

How has your environment affected your writing? I live in southwestern New Hampshire. I am passionate about variety, both in my life and in my novel settings. The lakes, mountains, valleys, four-season communities and small towns—provide tremendous variety for my settings..

How many books have you written? I think between fiction and non-fiction, I have 30 published.

WOW! Talk about prolific!

Give a short synop of your most recently published book. In COLD AS ICE, Claudia Goodwin thought arranged marriages went out with the Dark Ages. But when her father announces her betrothal to the head of VanBuren Foods, she heads back to Colorado College in a daze. It’s 1954 after all, people don’t arrange marriages any more. Yes, some people do. People like Paul Michael Goodwin who’s sacrificed life ,love, and family for his almighty frozen food business.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book? They say ‘write what you know’ so I assume there’s a lot of me in the characters. Probably, in some cases, it’s not hidden very well. I think more of me is visual/obvious in Paige Carmichael, the character in FINAL MASQUERADE. In her attempts to escape a murderous fiancé she assumes many personas. I had to draw on much of what I know.

Do your characters take on a life of their own? They definitely do. And I have to say that, after all these years, they’re finally becoming real for my husband too. He used to roll his eyes if I mentioned a character by name, as a real person but the other day we were driving through the north country in NH and he said, “You should bring Angie camping here.” (Angie is the main character in my mystery series).  

Which is your favorite? My favorite character is Lindsay Reade from A PAGE FROM THE PAST because she has so much humor inside her. I love her view of life and her voice. Here are the opening sentences of the book: Our van sailed over the embankment in a shower of gravel, dead leaves, and shrill screams. My life didn’t flash before my eyes. I didn’t get a pinhole glimpse into “another world.” I didn’t see angels circling overhead.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?  All my fiction is available in all formats.

What challenges did you face while writing this book? COLD AS ICE has a very long history, more than 8 years. It began as a murder mystery. I sent it to my agent who said “no-no, this isn’t good,” so I put it back in the drawer for four years. Took it out a few times in the following two years but couldn’t figure out what made it bad. Till one day, a year later, I was looking at it and realized the story 1-wasn’t supposed to be a mystery, 2-had the wrong main character and 3-in changing to the right main character, the story needed to begin fifty years earlier. Consequently this story is very precious to me. The first reviews have been awesome.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet? In the computer in a file named "Story Ideas". Grin.

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond? I’d like to write another book in the Angie Deacon mystery series. The "Sotry Ideas"file is getting full. Grin. I’d like to write three or four more in my short story erotica series—they’re kind of fun to do. Smile. Other than that, I’m not sure. My editing business is taking more and more time.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events? From me personally, or my newsletter. I admit to being notoriously bad at anything online. Takes me so long to navigate I get discouraged and quit.

Well, you certainly have more time for writing then. Thanks for the interview and I wish you well.
Folks, here's a link to COLD AS ICE:

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-as-Ice-Cindy-Davis/dp/160318371X/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340112897&sr=1-10&keywords=cold+as+ice