Diana Raab: Healing With Words

DIANA RAAB, MFA, RN is truly my special guest today. She's the author of

HEALING WITH WORDS: A WRITER’S CANCER JOURNEY and she's a cancer survivor.

Welcome, Diana. Please tell us more about yourself.

I am a memoirist and poet and author of eight books. I teach writing in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and at various conferences around the country. I am a member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), the Author’s Guild and Poets &Writers. My award-winning writing has appeared in numerous national publications and anthologies.

I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York. In 1977, I earned my BSc. in Health Administration with a minor in Journalism from Cortland State University. I then pursued a nursing degree from Vanier College and worked as Director of Nursing in Montreal, Canada. A year later I received a positive pregnancy test followed by my obstetrician’s prescription for bed rest. I resigned from my position as nursing director and became a freelance medical writer which resulted in over 300 published articles to my credit. While on bed rest, I chronicled my experience, which evolved into a self-help book called, Getting Pregnant and Staying Pregnant: Overcoming Infertility and High-Risk Pregnancy which has been in print since 1988 and has been translated into French and Spanish. In 1992, it won the Benjamin Franklin Book Award for Best Health and Wellness Book.

In 2009, the book was updated and reissued under the title, Your High Risk Pregnancy: A Practical and Supportive Guide in collaboration with Errol Norwitz, M.D., Professor, Yale University School of Medicine and Co-Director, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital.

After recovering from breast cancer in 2001, I returned to graduate school in Spalding University’s Low-Residency Program. My thesis became the foundation for my two memoirs, Regina’s Closet: Finding My Grandmother’s Secret Journal and Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey. Both books have received stellar reviews.

Congratulations on the accomplishments. This is an inspiring journey, indeed.

I have three books of poetry, My Muse Undresses Me (2007), Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems for You (2008) and The Guilt Gene (2009). I am also editor of the anthology, Writers and Their Notebooks (2010) with a foreword by Philip Lopate. I am married and have three grown children, Rachel, Regine and Joshua.

My website is http://www.dianaraab.com.

What a busy lady you are!

Is there a message or common thread in your writing?

I suppose the most common thread in all of my writing involves journaling. My mission is to inform others about the healing power of writing because of how much it’s helped me the past forty-five years. My mother gave me my first journal at the age of 10 to help me cope with my grandmother’s suicide. Therefore, I learned at an early age to find solace in the written word. I believe capturing observations and memories before they vanish is vital to one’s health. Most, if not all of my published work, whether memoir or poetry has originated on the pages of my notebooks.

Tell us more about your latest book.

Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey is part memoir and part self-help book. It shares my experiences of having had two un-related cancers in five years (breast cancer and the rare form of bone marrow cancer, multiple myeloma). In lieu of allowing cancer to destroy my life, I have allowed the experience to empower me. I embraced the cancer experience and turned a negative into a positive by creating this book. My hope is to inspire others to share their own story. At the end of each chapter are writing prompts and blank journaling pages. In addition, the book also has extensive appendices for tips on writing.

Since early childhood, I have drawn strength from the practice of journaling. Over the course of the past forty-five years, my journals have provided a safe haven and platform to validate my feelings. I really enjoy sharing this passion with others.

How do you promote yourself online and off?

Unlike when my first book was released in the 1980s, that authors must now be very aggressive in marketing their own books. I do all that I can to promote and expose myself online and in person using every oleaddirected my way. Marketing is a 24-hour occupation. For Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey, I have a Facebook page and a link on my website. In addition, I am on two virtual book tours which run for June, July and August. I have also hired two part-time publicists to follow up on certain leads. I am trying to plan some special events and lectures for October, breast cancer awareness month. I enjoy teaching journaling and memoir workshops a nd doing book signings, all which help to promote my book. In addition, my administrative assistant sends out news releases and postcards announcing my book to magazine editors, agents, cancer and writing organizations. Whenever there is a request for a review copy, I try to send it out immediately and make sure to include all the necessary PR materials.

Where do you write? When? What do you have around you?

I have a writing studio which use almost every day. On the bookshelves are writing reference books as well as my completed journals and other inspirational titles. I also collect antique typewriters which are interspersed on my book shelves along with framed photos of my family.

Where can listeners learn more about your books and events?

I am very accessible online. My website, http://www.dianaraab.com summarizes all the places where I can be found.

EARLY REVIEWS:

"Though I am a professional writer, it's hard to find words for the admiration I feel for Diana Raab and her inspiring true story: Healing With Words. Time after time, Diana articulates incisively the thoughts and feelings that convey hoped-for meaning and encouragement. She is a woman who knows what it is to live fully in the face of mortality. She will add value to the life of every person who reads this book. That she includes the creative impulse to write and the solace offered by contemplating the beautiful as a vital part of human existence resonates at a spiritual level for me.”~~Sena Jeter Naslund, author of AHAB'S WIFE and ABUNDANCE, A NOVEL OF MARIE ANTOINETTE
***
“One woman's story, beautifully told and inspiring to those for whom journaling will ease a breast cancer diagnosis.”~~Barbara Delinsky, New York Times bestselling author of UPLIFT: SECRETS FROM THE SISTERHOOD OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
***
"Healing With Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey by Diana Raab offers unique therapy for cancer patients. Raab is a registered nurse, author, mother of three and happily married woman. Her compelling and inspirational book reflects her two episodes with cancer over several years. She expertly tells her story and captures the reader with her feelings, frustrations and fears that overwhelmed her from diagnosis of breast cancer through reconstruction and recovery through her subsequent bout with multiple myeloma.

Descriptions of her personal journey are accompanied with powerful poetry and journal entries she wrote at various stages. What is unique about this book is that its messages are universal. Any cancer patient or survivor can relate to and learn from what she experienced.

Included in the masterfully written book are writing prompts to encourage the readers to write about what is happening or has occurred in their lives.

As a college writing professor, I give Diana Raab an A+ for her writing. As a two-time cancer survivor who has taught Writing for Wellness classes for patients at City of Hope Cancer Center for eight years, I congratulate her for her significant contribution to the field of writing-to-heal techniques.
Her book is a must-read for any woman diagnosed with breast cancer.”~~Julie Davey, author of
WRITING FOR WELLNESS: A PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALING

“Diana Raab has shared her breast cancer journey with an honesty that is truly compelling. Anyone receiving a cancer diagnosis should have Healing With Words ,A Writer's Cancer Journey to turn to time and time again for comfort and guidance. I highly recommend it!”~~Beverlye Hyman Fead, Legislative Ambassador and Hero or Hope for American Cancer Society and author of I CAN DO THIS
***
“Healing with Words is a riveting memoir which follows the author's journey through two cancer discoveries in eight years. Within the first thirty pages tears filled my eyes as I felt Diana's pain and rebellion to enter a new life, a new world. The book's structure allows the reader to find her own words to write beside Diana's enlightening story which enlists it as a personal journal. Her poetic flavor of writing with lines like, "My cancer diagnosis became like a stir-fry of emotions cooking inside me," stretched my writer's mind and urged me to post my own note to my computer screen which was gleaned from this book, When it hurts--Write harder.”
~~Barbara Sinor, Ph.D., author of AN INSPIRATIONAL GUIDE FOR THE RECOVERING SOULD AND TALES OF ADDICTION: STORIES FROM THE SOUL
***
“As a cancer survivor myself this book touched parts of my soul I thought I'd forgotten about. Ms. Raab did a phenomenal job at writing a memoir while including the reader in her journey. I knew I was in for a great read when I teared up during her Introduction. This will be an invaluable tool to those currently battling cancer or loving someone going through it. It enlightens, inspires and even gets us standing up and cheering the author on her fight. I have always admired those who can go through turmoil and use positive, proactive ways to carry them to tomorrow. Beautiful job and beautiful words. Thank you, Ms. Raab--you'll help many.”~~Chynna T. Laird,author of LILY WOLF WORDS
***
“Diana’s book, Healing with words: a writer’s cancer journey documents two processes for her readers. One in eight women is afflicted with breast cancer. I am one of the remaining seven who wonders and worries when and if one of my breasts will be invaded by the cancer that she so thoughtfully and realistically explains at each stage of the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and surviving process.
Even though Diana is a medical professional she documents this process also as a women, daughter, friend, wife, and mother using words juxtaposed with journal questions, entries and poetry. One such poem, A women’s life, utilizes 37 verbs to describe our many developmental stages. One of these identified verbs is writing.

Writing is the second process and gift that Diana shares with the reader. For any individual surviving a trauma there needs to be strategies and tools that can be utilized to help the individual move from feeling like a victim to knowing that they are a survivor. Diana’s shares how writing impacted her journey but also makes suggestion for readers to use writing as a process that can help to increase feelings of strength and personal power.
This is a thoughtful book that will touch the hearts of women and those who love us.”~~Theresa Fraser, MA

Diana, thank you so much for this most inspiring story. I appreciate your letting me interview you to coincide with the recent release of Killer Recipes, a cookbook. Killer Recipes is great family recipes submitted by mystery writers all over the country: hence, the title. We had fun renaming the recipes to fit the "mystery" theme. However, the real idea behind Killer Recipes is not only to promote each writer who submitted a recipe but also to donate all proceeds to cancer research so that we can annihilate cancer in our lifetime. 


Diana, thank you for being a part of this promotion, and again, continued great health and happiness!

Available in print, ebook, and Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.lldreamspell.com/ for quantities

Michael McCarty's Hell of a Job

Michael McCarty popped in for a visit today. Michael, it's a pleasure to be interviewing you. For readers who are new to your work, give us a short biography.


Michael McCarty: I am a writer. Short enough? [Laughs]

It can be longer than that, silly. Go on.

Michael McCarty: I was a former stand-up comedian, musician, freelance writer and managing editor of a music magazine. I was married last Halloween to my girlfriend Cindy. I have a pet rabbit named Kitty The Bunny. I am the 2008 David R. Collins’ Literary Achievement Award winner from the Midwest Writing Center and a three times Bram Stoker Finalist from the Horror Writers Association.

Seventeen of my books have been published so far. By the end of this year, I will have my 20th book published and that is all since 2003. People call me “prolific” – but that is a polite word for insane [Laughs].

I write fiction and nonfiction and some of my more recent titles include Esoteria-Land, A Little Help From My Fiends, Liquid Diet: A Vampire Satire, Rusty The Robot’s Holiday Adventures [co-written with Sherry Decker], Fallen Angel [co-written with Amy Grech], and A Hell Of A Job.

My upcoming titles for this year include Professor LaGungo’s Classroom Of Horrors [co-written with Mark McLaughlin] and Masters Of Imagination.

Wow! You really are in...eh...prolific. Tell us about your latest books. Are they available in print and e-book formats?

Michael McCarty: My very latest books are A Hell Of A Job, a short story collection from Damnation Books and the kid’s book Rusty The Robot’s Holiday Adventures [co-written with Sherry Decker].

A Hell Of A Job is 25 short stories and is available as an e-book and trade paperback. Rusty The Robot’s Holiday Adventures is available as a trade paperback. The storyline for Rusty: Is what would happen in the future if a robot, which was ancient technology, was found in a brave new world? The book is set sometime between 25 and 50 years ahead of the present.

Do you have a philosophy about writing horror?

Michael McCarty: Writers and editors always say: “You need to grab a reader with a hook.” I use meat hooks. [laughs]

I like to mix a lot of genres together. Probably my love of horror comes from reading a ton of different genres as a kid and growing up reading Dean Koontz novels. He likes to genre hop, too.

I try to write the most entertaining tales possible. I haven’t heard any complaints yet or demands for money back, so I guess I’m succeeding.

Any current projects?

Michael McCarty: I am currently working on a sequel to Liquid Diet: A Vampire Satire, Masters Of Imagination, interviews with 25 horror, science fiction and fantasy writers and filmmakers including Ray Bradbury, Laurell K. Hamilton, Linnea Quigley, Joe Lansdale and more.

Impressive!

I am also working on Conversations With Kreskin which is an interview book with The Amazing Kreskin and a secret novel project with Joe McKinney and Jody R. LaGreca.

Is there a particular sub-genre that appeals to you most within horror?

Michael McCarty: I really like vampire novels and zombie movies. I’ve written a vampire novel that I’m shopping around, and my novel Monster Behind the Wheel does contain a lot of zombies. That book is going to be re-released next year from Medallion Press as an e-book, which Mark McLaughlin [the co-author] and I are really excited about.

I also like the sub-genre of humor and horror. I like to mix laughs and fear in one story.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Michael McCarty: I have lots of sites, where people can find out about my books and myself.

I am on Facebook under “Michael McCarty – Davenport, Iowa.” Other sites:

www.myspace.com/monsterbook

www.myspace.com/ottochurch

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-4631-5

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3497-8

http://www.damnationbooks.com/book.php?isbn=9781615721177

http://khpindustries.com/wordpress2/?page_id=61

http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/id6.html

http://skullvines.com

http://merchantskeep.com

www.horror-mall.com

www.genremall.com

https://www.horror-mall.com/FALLEN-ANGEL-by-Amy-Grech-Michael-McCarty-Digital-Edition-p-20562.html


Michael, thanks for the colorful interview. Wishing you great success!

Michael McCarty: Thank you, God bless and Godspeed.

Thomas C. Almond

Thomas C. Almond, author of Goodbye, Kiev is my guest today. Welcome, Thomas, and tell us more about yourself.

I was born in Spokane, Washington. I worked 27 years as a firefighter for the city of Portland, Oregon after serving 4 years in the U. S. Coast Guard. My beautiful wife Olga I met in Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine and we live in the Bend/ Sunriver, Oregon area.

I have had a desire to write for a long time and finally found the time to pursue this when I retired from the fire department.

What are your writing goals?

I want to write books that make people think and feel their emotions. I like to write in a style like I am sitting in your living room telling you my story.

Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

Goodbye Kiev is a story about love and commitment. I hope readers will put themselves in the place of the main character and think what they might do in a similar situation.

I also wanted to provide the reader with some information about Ukraine, a country I think many people in America do not know much about.

Goodbye Kiev is a powerful story in an interesting setting. All reviews of Goodbye Kiev have commented on the emotion and power of this story which one of my goals in writing it.

Tell us more about your book.

It is a fictional love story that the idea came from some real life experiences. An American man and a Ukrainian woman meet through an international marriage agency, fall in love and plan to marry. But after his return to the States she begins to appear to want to end their relationship. He does not understand why and eventually returns to Ukraine to try to find answers and save their relationship. This return trip will test his love and commitment repeatedly.

How did you develop characters? Setting?

Many of the characters are based on real people I have known. The settings are where I have lived in America as well as Ukraine.

How do you determine voice in your writing?

I like to write as if I am telling this story to you in person.

Where do you write? When? What do you have around you?

I wrote Goodbye Kiev at home and while in Ukraine. I found great inspiration to write Goodbye Kiev while in Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine, which is the setting for much of the story. I often went out to different locations around the city and wrote. I also wrote a small part of it on an airplane coming home from Ukraine.

Any current projects?

I am currently working on a sequel to Goodbye Kiev.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

My website is

http://thomascalmond.webs.com/

Here can be found latest information and a pictorial review of Goodbye Kiev as well as some stories about my time in Ukraine. You can also purchase books from my website at some of the lowest prices you will find anywhere.

I am also on many sites such as Books In Sync, Cold Coffee, iFIGO Village and Book Masons.
Thank you for this opportunity to communicate with interested readers about Goodbye Kiev.

You're certainly welcome. Continued sucess!



　

Bruce Sarte: Towering Pines Room 509

Bruce Sarte, author of Towering Pines, is my guest today. Welcome, Bruce.

Tell us about your book.

Thanks, Susan. Towering Pines Volume One: Room 509 is the story of Liam Rider who is a basketball star. I like to say he’s the guy everyone guy wants to be and the guy every girls wants to be with. But then in a fit of rage he ends up in jail on an aggravated assault charge and that leads him to being sentenced to military school. Military school brings a whole new set of problems for Liam between the upper classmen harassing him and being told he isn’t going to graduate on time he thinks his life couldn’t get any worse. That is until the nightmares begin and the ghosts start appearing to him. Luckily for Liam, he meets and befriends the mysterious and intriguing Lisbeth Harrington. Lisbeth is quiet and closed up but Liam and Lisbeth begin to get close and he shares the problems he is having. This leads to the two of the working together to solve the mystery of the ghosts and sixty year old murders before they claim Liam as their next victim.

This story has drama, mystery, a little romance, ghosts and magic!

How do you develop characters? Setting?

I find that the characters tell me what they want to do and how they feel. I put them in a setting and let them guide me. Quite often the idea I start with is only faintly reminiscent of what ends up on the page. I try and create the mood for them and just let them go!

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

My protagonists tend to be wounded and vulnerable yet they put on a stronger façade for the rest of the world to see. In my first novel, Sands of Time, Sam Shepard drinks heavily to mask his pain and get through each day. He thinks he is hiding it from the world and while it is painfully obvious to those around him, he works hard at it anyway. In Towering Pines, Liam Rider’s cool athlete exterior is shattered in a moment but he fights hard to keep up the act until he learns that he needs people around him to save him. Both protagonists struggle heavily with the idea that they need help to be saved but they are also on a mission to save someone they care about. Both stories have a circular motion about them.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

I really enjoy using the environment I grew up in as seed for my stories. Sands of Time is set in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ where I grew up and Towering Pines Volume One: Room 509 is set at Admiral Farragut Academy where I went to high school. I like hearing people say, “I know that place…” when they come to book signings.

How do you promote yourself online and off?

I do various book signings and appearances throughout the year as time allows. I am also easily found on various social media including Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, ManicReaders and other sites.

Any current projects?

Currently I have two things I’m actively working on. I’m working on a short-story for the Bump In The Night anthology my publisher is putting together. It is a Towering Pines-based story starring Liam and Lisbeth who are called to a haunted hospital to banish the ghosts. The anthology will be out mid-October. The second thing is Winds of Change, the sequel to Sands of Time. It takes Sam Shepard and puts him in an all-new environment when he finds out his fiancée, Natalie, is kidnapped just before the wedding. More vampires? You’ll just have to wait to find out!

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I try and promote everything on Facebook and Twitter in addition to my own website (bruceasarte.com) and my publisher’s site (buckscountypublishing.com).

Bruce, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Best of luck to you!

Victoria Roder's BOLT ACTION

Victoria Roder, author of Bolt Action is here for friendly interrogation. Victoria, it's great to have you over.
Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you for the interview, Susan. I’m author Victoria Roder and I write suspense thrillers and paranormal romance novels that are always wrapped in a murder mystery. I am a people person and I like to try and analyze criminals, so I enjoy reading and watching true crime stories with obsession. I’m a down home girl from central Wisconsin. I enjoy camping and hiking with my husband and our three dogs. I also have two spoiled cats and a blue tongue skink (lizard). We ride motorcycle, shoot bow at 3D targets, and snowshoe in the winter.

Tell us about your latest book.

My Action thriller, Bolt Action was released by Champagne Books in April 2010. You can check out the publisher’s website at http://www.champagnebooks.com/

With a Ruger Blackhawk .357 under her pillow, a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker rifle in her broom closet, and a Saturday Night Special in her road-hog cookie jar, Detective Leslie Bolt’s sarcastic attitude and inability to trust, alienates her from most people. Forced to work a serial murder case with her ex-lover, doesn't improve her disposition. The "State Quarter Killer” is selecting victims that appear to have nothing in common except for the State Quarter placed under their lifeless bodies. When her sister goes missing the question rises, will Detective Bolt capture the serial killer before her sister is the next victim?

Check out the awesome book trailer YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqcYL_G7h7s

Detective Bolt reminds me of my protagonist, Logan Hunter. I love the title of the book, Victoria, and her name. Awesome! The video rocks.

What’s the hook for the book? (Bolt Action, Champagne Books 2010. Buy link http://www.omnilit.com/product-boltaction-426568-152.html)

Secrets of the past, murder, revenge, deception, sexual tension, and the “State Quarter Killer”; Bolt Action offers it all.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

Detective Leslie Bolt is a tough talking, gun hording, motorcycle riding investigator with as much insecurity as the rest of us. After a life of abuse at the hands of her father, she has a kick ass outer shell and a chip on her shoulder. She stashes a collection of pistols, revolvers, and rifles about her apartment. Leslie is a top investigator, but no one wants to work with because she is stand-offish and down right rude. We may all think sarcastic thoughts about other people, but in addition to thinking them, Detective Bolt says them out loud!

Where do you write? When? What do you have around you?

My main place to write is in my den, and I have to have coffee. My husband bought me a laptop computer, so now I can sit on our open porch to write and enjoy the sunshine. In restaurants and driving down the road, I’ve been know to write on napkins, gum wrappers, and receipts. I also keep a notebook, pen, and flashlight beside the bed.

Any current projects?

I am excited about, and in the final edits of my paranormal horror, The Haunting of Ingersull Penitentiary: A penitentiary founded on the system of separation and torture, built on land cursed by a witch from the sixteen hundreds, now converted into a bed and breakfast…what could go wrong?

I am also working on a children’s puzzle book and two picture books, An Important Job to Do – A Noah’s Ark Tale and Baby’s First Book of Jesus.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events? www.victoriaroder.com

I enjoy hearing from readers and can be contacted through my website.

Victoria, I've enjoyed having you guest on the blog. I'll be ordering that book. Continued success!

Ami Blackwelder: The Hunted of 2060

Ami Blackwelder is my guest today. Amy, welcome. Tell us about yourself
I am a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. My unique experiences allow me an original perspective and a plethora of ideas to entertain readers.

I grew up in Florida and went to UCf. in 1997 had my BA in English and teaching credentials. I decided to travel overseas and teach and have worked in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered my second home now. I have always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, my novels began when I was in Thailand.

http://amiblacklwelder.com

What books came along at just the right time to influence your reading/writing?

Pride and Prejudice, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Star Wars...

What are your writing goals?

To establish myself with a collection of books/novels, about three or four written yearly.

Wow! That's ambitious.


Is there a message in your writing you want readers to grasp?

Usually I tend to swerve toward wildlife protection and conservation. I also play with themes involving prejudice, and oppression.

Tell us about your latest book The Hunted of 2060.

Three Lovers. Two Species. One Way to Survive.
Summary: Set in Alaska in 2060, when April enters her sophomore year at University, she thought Robert might be the love of her life, but as she discovers, she is hiding something inside her, something the rest of the world believes to have died out. She struggles with who she was and who she is becoming as she learns of a family she never knew existed and of enemies she will have to outrun, outfight or outwit to survive. As April embraces her new identity, will she have to leave the life she loves behind?

With underlining themes of how prejudice breaks human connections and animal/wildlife conservation, this novel which has received rave reviews will leave the reader flipping through the pages of April’s story.

Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt? If so, in what way?

Greatly, since the birth of my first novel, I have learned to edit myself while I write and re-read my sentences a few times before moving onward. I have also to sit side by side with my thesaurus. I’ve learned to professionally edit and professionally cover design my work before release, because the product I believe to be finished will still have important changes to undergo which I have not seen.

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

I found my first two books more challenging the the last two and that is simply because I love the characters in my last two books so much that writing their stories became effortless. The first story I wrote, The Gate of Lake Forest, an elfin romance, included a few fun characters and an interesting storyline, but the story was more difficult, along with the sequel Prisoners of Pride, because I could not relate as an author to the main characters as much as the characters in my later books. However, young adults seem to love the first two books.

How do you develop characters? Setting?

I usually have a few main characters in my head that have strong voices and they are the reason the story is born. However minor characters and others are conceived through-out the stories development. I also have the beginning, part of the middle, and sometimes the ending in my end. I work loosely with a written outline, but usually swerve off of the lines. The rest of the story is created as the characters venture off...I try to let the characters tell their story, instead of me telling the story for them.

That is another main difference between my first two novels and my last two novels. Who is telling the story? Now, I let my characters tell the tale.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

April is the protagonist in my latest novel, The Hunted of 2060. One reviewer, the most critical of this piece, said April was too ‘go with the flow’. She wanted to see more rebellion I guess.

April really is not a ‘go with the flow girl’ and doesn’t go with the flow of humans ever. However, April does listen to her ‘clan’. April’s weakness is she doesn’t know who she is, who she is becoming, if she can control it, where she belongs and who she wants to belong with. She is thrown into the middle of much confusion, violence, and uncertainty.

For that reason, she follows the advice of her clan, instead of rebels. She clings to Robert, because he is one of the few humans she can trust and she needs him to remind her of her humanity.

She is not mentally incapable of being separate from Robert, but he provides the emotional qualities she doesn’t want to forget as she metamorphosis.

How do you determine voice in your writing?

Characters have a story to tell. In my first novel I really wanted to tell the story from the human point of view who falls in love with an elfin. In the sequel the story continues. In my third novel, I needed to tell the story from two points of views as well as show the demise of a country and needed third person for that.

In this latest novel, first person voice works, because this novel is April’s story. As readers, we are privy to her thoughts, emotions and life. April is polite enough to allow us on that journey with her. However the prequel, The Shifters of 2040, will be written in third person, because I want to dive into three different sources, the Militia and Melissa (April’s natural mother), the shifters, and the politics with Josephine and Taylor (April’s adoptive parents). I want to provide the reader with ample background to how April’s story is born. Those who love The Hunted of 2060, will devour this prequel.

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

Some writers use and need outlines, what characters are going to do, details of what the story will be before writing. I let the story and characters take me where they want. I have to write an outline while writing to keep up with everything. But I don’t want to limit myself beforehand.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

I spent eight years in Asia, and so my perspective on life is different from most Americans. I imagine that comes out in my writing at times. Also my love of nature and animals is usually present inadvertently. In looking at my four novels thus far, three of them take place mostly in a forest.

How do you promote yourself online and off?

I use many online venues such as twitter, facebook, digg, allvoices, posterous, VBT, websites, Review sites, Writer sites, Author sites

Where do you write? When? What do you have around you?

I usually write at home on my lab top, but I do go to Barnes n Noble, outside and generally write whenever I can. Morning. Night.

Any current projects?

The prequel, The Shifters of 2040.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

http://amiblackwelder.com

Title: (The Hunted of 2060)

Author: (Ami Blackwelder)

ISBN: (ISBN: 1452805474)

(e-ISBN: 9781452805474)

Page count: (80,000)


Thanks for being a guest on my blog, Ami, and I wish you the best with all endeavors.

Erotica

My special guests today are Linda Houle, Loretta Wheeler, and Randall Rohn, all contributors to  the anthology, Erotic Dreamspell. Welcome, you all.

Linda Houle is an author and the co-owner of L&L Dreamspell, a Texas based independent publishing company. Her favorite part of the job is designing book covers. She also runs a small wildlife ranch, Westwind Dreams, in the beautiful Texas Hill County.


She writes some of her fiction under the pen name Linndah, including the story for Erotic Dreamspell.

Here's a synopsis of her story:

"Black Earrings" by Linndah

When a padded envelope with black earrings and an invitation arrived in Marilyn’s mailbox she felt compelled to meet the man named Ladislov. He’d seen her work in a gallery, and wanted her to paint his portrait. His striking resemblance to Dracula both intrigued and frightened Marilyn. Did he know she had a vampire fantasy? Could he be one of the undead?

Loretta Wheeler: Hello Susan, thank you so much for having us here today.

My pleasure, Loretta. Tell us a little bit about you.

In the Erotic Dreamspell anthology I’m writing under the name L Reveaux. Works of mine that have a darker side, graphic language, or sexual content are written under the pen name, L Reveaux.
I live in the south, in Texas, with my Australian husband, and our cat named Lil’ Dickens. Our home is surrounded by lush vegetation with decks that run the parameters and a porch swing tucked at one side, which has become my most favorite spot to tempt my Muse to join me and “sit a spell”.
My writing style encompasses thrillers and the paranormal. I write under two names; Loretta Wheeler when I’m writing a more typical thriller, and L Reveaux for my darker works.

What's your particular story?

My piece, “Siren’s Call”, is releasing in the Erotic Dreamspell anthology, and is the story of Michael, a charter boat captain who thinks he has seen almost everything—until the day he witnesses something so unbelievable, alluring, and beguiling, that he finds himself compelled to enter the depths of another of reality—a reality that shimmers like a moon-kissed wave, and promises delights that will take his breath away—and may or may not return it.

Randy, fill us in on your writing and the story in Erotic Dreamspell.

Randy:  I’m an award-winning creative director for Keller Crescent Advertising, the largest independent agency in the United States. I have also worked for DDB and Leo Burnett in Chicago before coming to Indiana about eight years ago. Although I have a novel coming out in 2011, so far I’ve only had short stories published, mostly with L&L Dreamspell, although I was thrilled to have a short story of mine picked as one of the "Best American Mystery Stories 2009" by Jeffery Deaver and Otto Penzler.

My story, "Sex Machine", is a bit of a science fiction story set in the future. It’s about a man who has never slept with a woman and wants to very badly. He sets out to discover why women aren’t attracted to him and how he can correct the situation. Believe it or not, it’s a humor piece.

LOL. I must read this!
Folks, what books came along at just the right time to influence your writing this particular genre?

Linda: This story is primarily a Dracula fantasy, set in modern day. So Bram Stoker’s Dracula was my influence.

Loretta: I don’t know that any books in particular influenced my work when writing in the erotic genre. For me, it is the telling of a story that is my initial intention, and then if the story has a sensuous side to it, I will sometimes go deeper into that aspect. The two occasions where I have crossed the line into the erotic area, I felt the story needed it to set it free and tell the tale with the full range of emotions involved.

Randy:  Dave Barry

Where do you get your inspiration (and keep it clean!)

Linda:  I’ve read and written a variety of genres. As a publisher it’s helpful to know what works and what doesn’t in a good story, no matter the genre. I’m a fan of Dracula stories, so I decided to write one of my own. It just happens to have sex—as many vampires tales do, so it’s part of the Erotic Dreamspell anthology!

Loretta:  Sidney Sheldon’s writing has always made me feel that one could write a story and include a sensuous side to it, but the story remain dedicated to the storyline, not the sexual side. I feel the same about my works that have explicit sex, they cross the line to a degree, but it’s part of the plot, not the main emphasis.

Again, since my main focus is on the story, my inspiration could come from anywhere. In “Siren’s Call”, it came from a phrase used by one of the other Dreamspell authors, Sylvia Dickey Smith. The comment was made on her site that in a previous life she was a beautiful mermaid with gorgeous blonde hair and a tail to die for :) It stuck in my mind and I couldn’t seem to let it go, so I stopped work on the novel I was writing, took a break, and wrote the fishtail story (sorry couldn’t resist), “Siren’s Call”.

Randy:  Newspaper articles. Advertisements. Watching people. Really, I can’t pin it down because it depends on the story.

What makes a good story in your opinion?

Linda:  Anything that evokes emotion or curiosity. In the erotica genre, there should be a storyline besides the sex scenes—something to provide a reason for the sexual situations.

Loretta:  A good story, in my opinion, is one that holds the reader, and hopefully does it so well that they don’t want to put the book down until they’ve finished it. That, to me, is a good story. And of course then there are great stories that make you darn snappish if anyone dares interrupt you before you’re finished.

Randy:  Conflict. Interesting characters. A quest of some sort. I also like stories in which you learn a little bit about something of which you knew nothing. I wrote a suspense story that’s in Your Darkest Dreamspell about a glue factory. I put in little tidbits about the glue making process. I found that a little off beat but interesting.

How do you discipline yourself when writing?

Linda:  The right story comes pouring out with no discipline required. If I feel I am forcing myself to write, then I set that project aside for a few months. Later, if it still feels forced, then it should be scrapped altogether!

Loretta:  I’m laughing at this—I am truly not typical with my writing. There is a part of me that really wishes I were more typical. I try not to look at it as disciplining myself—that sounds way too restrictive to me. I do set deadlines and goals if the deadlines aren’t established. I tend to do my writing in increments of time rather than a daily routine, which seems to work better for me. Just visualize a temperamental artist at work accompanied by a wayward Muse.

Randy:  I set aside an hour a day to write

When writing a story, are there any particular themes you feel passionate about?

Linda:  For fiction, mystery and the paranormal/unexplained. For non-fiction, metaphysical themes, especially about the nature of consciousness.

Loretta:  I suppose my underlying theme if you could call it that, is that we look at life, and others, with a little more broadmindedness. For me, everything is not in a box and categorized, so I often travel to places and concepts that aren’t the “norm”.

Randy:  Ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Writer Anais Nin once said, “…and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” How much sex is too much, and where do you draw the line in your writing?

Linda:  When the reader actually becomes bored, rather than stimulated, by the sex scenes, then there’s too much sex and not enough story. It’s true that erotic is primarily about the sex but there needs to be a reason for the situation. An interesting storyline, balanced with just enough sex, is the goal.

Loretta:  As I touched on earlier, I don’t write a story just for the sexual side. If it seems to flow in a more sensuous direction, then I write it that way. It was difficult for me initially. All the thoughts of how I would be perceived if I wrote more graphically, and if the person I am would be confused with my style of writing, bothered me. I finally decided to write the way I envisioned a story and try to stop anticipating people’s reactions. Once I came to this decision, it seemed much easier to do. I draw the line with rough sex enjoyed by the victim, and I don’t delve into S&M.

Randy:  Too much is when I start getting embarrassed. I don’t really write erotic stories generally, so when I do, I put in just enough to push forward the story and to keep it interesting.

Do you have other writing projects underway?

Linda:  Too many to count!

Loretta:  I’m currently working on “The Image” which will be offered as an e-book, due to release by late summer or early fall of 2010. In it the reader is taken inside the belief of mind over matter, discovering that if it’s applied well; sometimes things aren’t what they seem.

After the release of “The Image” I will be returning to the editing of “The Midnight Dance/the Devereaux Chronicles”. This piece garnered me a PRO position within the RWA. I will also be completing the draft of “Dark Pleasures”, which L&L Dreamspell published as a short story in the anthology A Death in Texas.

Randy:  I’m working on a follow up to Hang on Sloopy, my novel which is to be published by L&L Dreamspell in 2011.

Where can readers learn more about you?

Linda:  www.lldreamspell.com/LindaHoule.htm

Loretta:  I have two websites: http://www.LorettaWheeler.com and http://www.lreveaux.com/
You can also find me on Facebook as Loretta Wheeler or on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/southernnuances

Randy:  On the L&L Dreamspell site. I have a blog, but I must confess, I’m pretty lazy about blogging. I do tend to write something every day on my Facebook page.

Thanks for the interview and continued success to all of you!
(For more information about Erotic Dreamspell and other Dreamspell publications, go to www.lldreamspell.com)