John Lindermuth's FALLEN FROM GRACE

John Lindermuth, author of Fallen From Grace is my guest today. Welcome, John.

JRL:  Thanks, Susan.

Tell us something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

JRL: I’m as curious as that proverbial cat. Part of that stems from my experience as a journalist, but I think the seed was there long before. I’ve always been intrigued by the word ‘why?’

How many books have you written?

JRL: Nine published, two more under contract and probably an equal number either stuck in a drawer or discarded.

What books or authors have influenced you?

JRL: I’ve always been a voracious reader and I believe every book read influences us to some degree. I’m constantly finding new writers to admire. Perennial favorites among contemporaries would include James Lee Burke for his lyrical prose, Ruth Rendell for her psychological insights and Elmore Leonard for skill in dialogue. I’d like to think I’ve been positively influenced by some of the authors whose work I admire and, yet, have developed my own unique voice.

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

JRL: To me, the greatest reward is having a reader tell me they’ve enjoyed my books and want more. I’d probably go on writing even without the feedback, but the incentive is like the right spice in a bowl of chili.

Tell us about your latest release, Fallen From Grace, published in March by Wild Oak, a division of Oak Tree Press.

JRL: Sylvester Tilghman is sheriff of a small Pennsylvania town at the end of the 19^th century. It’s a family trade. His father and grandfather have had the job before him. Arahpot is normally a quiet town and Syl’s major concerns of late have been finding a new deputy and convincing Lydia Longlow, his longtime girlfriend, to marry him. But when a stranger is fatally stabbed and another resident dies of arsenic poisoning, Tilghman finds himself in danger. And worse—Lydia is pushing her obnoxious cousin as candidate for deputy.

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

JRL: Available in all those formats.

What are some of the problems you faced while plotting a series with ongoing characters?

JRL: Fallen was not written with the intent of launching a new series, but comment from readers/reviewers indicates an interest in having me do that. We’ll see what prompts I get from Sylvester and company.

I believe it’s as much the influence of those characters clamoring to be heard as the intent of the author which does result in series. I know that was the case with my Sticks Hetrick series (four books out, another under contract and one in progress). The biggest difficulty with a series to my mind is having the character/characters continue to grow and not become stagnant. Readers are certain to let us know if we don’t notice.

How do you develop characters?

JRL: I’m more of a pantster than an outliner. My outlines—if they can be called that—are generally so brief, just a scattering of words to serve as reminders of the direction I’m going, they’d be totally meaningless to anyone else. I usually start with a specific character in a situation and proceed from there.

How do you choose your setting?

JRL: All of my published books have taken place in settings I’m already familiar with—places I’ve lived, visited or thoroughly researched.

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

JRL: I have a webpage and blog and I participate in all the usual social outlets—Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linked-In, etc. I’m also a member of the Posse formed by Sunny Frazier, a group of writers who keep one another apprised of blogging, learning and other opportunities. I don’t have a formal mailing list, but I do have an increasing list of people who I keep informed of what I’m doing. I also submit release to media in my area and keep in contact with area libraries. Unfortunately, there are currently no bookstores in my immediate area, so I have to rely more on personal contacts, library programs, festivals and the like.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

JRL: Whiskey Creek Press will publish The Limping Dog, a stand-alone mystery, in March 2012 and Practice To Deceive, fifth in the Sticks Hetrick series, later in the year. I also have a story in Four Of A Kind, an anthology scheduled for release in 2012. Meanwhile, I’m working on several projects, including a sixth Hetrick mystery.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

JRL: My website: http://jrlindermuth.com

Blog: http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com

http://facebook.com/john.lindermuth

http://twitter.com/jrlindermuth

Publishers:

http://www.oaktreebooks.com/

http://whiskeycreekpress.com/authors/JRLindermuth.shtml

Jessica Acosta's THE FORETELLING

Jessica Acosta, author of The Foretelling: Quest of the Auras, dropped by for a visit.

Jessica, please tell us something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

I think readers would be surprised to learn that, not only am I passionate about writing, but also science. I am currently attending college to study Anthropology, which is the study of everything human: past civilization, present urban settings, evolution, and much more. I am hoping to focus more on the Ethnographical aspect of Anthropology, which means I would study the culture of different existing civilizations, most likely small tribes. One of my greatest aspirations is to study a tribe in the Rain Forest. I am very eager to learn how they live off the land and am hoping to write a book about precisely how important our Rain Forests are, to us and to its inhabitants. Save the Rain Forest, save the world!

What books or authors have influenced you?

A few big names that stick out are the famed J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis. They both created an entirely new world that everyone fell in love with, which is greatly inspiring and is exactly what I strive to do with my own writing. I’m also not afraid to say that I am a TwiHard fan (Go Team Edward!). Stephanie Meyer is an amazing writer. But her stand-alone book, The Host, is by far my favorite from her collection; maybe one of my favorite books of all time. Even the third time reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I almost cried when I found out it is going to be made into a movie! I’m also a fan of John Connolly, Douglas Adams, and, being a lover of science, I adore Charles Darwin works.

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

I would have to say that the most rewarding experience of writing is that feeling of control, the feeling that nothing can hold you back from the ideas floating around in your mind just waiting to be put to paper (or computer). When I write, I am oblivious to everything around me. Anything negative that I may be dealing with at a given time disappears when I’m sitting at my desk generating characters, plots, entire worlds! It’s almost like writing creates a balance to my life. I’ve spent almost my entire life writing; it’s who I am.

Tell us about your latest release, The Foretelling: Quest of the Auras.

The Foretelling is about a very introverted young woman named Jamie who, along with her brother and his best friends, starts a new life in Las Vegas, NV. On a hiking trip, Jamie and Brandon (her brother) fall into a hidden cave where they discover one of the most beautiful rocks they have ever encountered. Soon after, they are both attacked by a mysterious creature in the darkness, almost losing their lives. It isn’t until a few months later that they realize whatever it was that attacked them…changed them, and they soon discover a secret, hidden society of humans who can transform into mythical creatures. Jamie’s life is turned upside down when a prophecy is revealed to her; a prophecy, if not fulfilled, could end the human world in a bloody battle between races; a prophecy in which she is the star of; a prophecy known as The Foretelling.

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

Yes. It is available both in print and ebook format.

It can be found in print at: CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/3540740

And Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Foretelling-Quest-Auras-1/dp/0615457703/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312898228&sr=1-1

It is available on Smashwords in numerous formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/78839

Also on Amazon Kindle, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005L2HI3Y

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

Jamie has a very great weakness that she practically wears across her forehead. Self-doubt. She is also an introvert, which makes her very shy and guarded, but rivaled to her self-doubting demeanor, all of that looks like an ant compared to an elephant. She is told she is in a prophecy by many different entities: friends, strangers, Gods and Goddesses even! And, yet, she still finds room to doubt all of them. But that weakness makes for a very interesting inner battle.

I would have to say her strength is her selflessness. Even though she doubts herself, she pushes through all of it for the sake of everyone else. She isn’t a leader, but she does her best to lead nonetheless. She doesn’t believe she is the one The Foretelling spoke of, but she still tries to succeed in the mission for the safety of the entire world. That is a lot to be put on one person’s shoulders, but she deals with it. It is one of her most endearing qualities to me.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

I am very excited to be working on the sequel to The Foretelling. I am not an outline type of writer; I tend to just write with an idea of what is going to happen and make changes as necessary, so when things sort of come together on their own, it’s such a great feeling. That’s exactly how the sequel, Yellow Horizon: War of the Auras, has been right from the beginning. It will be a joy when it is finally finished.

My project after that is going to be completely different than the Aura Series. It is going to be starring the Devil, so, naturally, it will be very dark and twisted, indeed. I cannot wait to get started on that one.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

All information about me as an author, about my books, blogs, etc., can be found at my website: http://www.wix.com/jessicaacosta/author-sales

Happy Birthday, Victoria Heckman!

Victoria Heckman, author of BURN OUT, is my guest today, and it's her birthday! So we're having cake and ice cream while we talk. Welcome, Victoria, and Happy Birthday!

Thank you so much, Susan! The cake is awesome and the ice cream is homemade, isn't it?

Only the best for my guests.

Tell us something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

My idea for the animal communicator character in BURN OUT came because I have always talked with my animals the way Elizabeth does.  And they do talk back... : )

OKAAAAY! I'm not making any comment about that since I hear voices myself (wink-wink).

How many books have you written?

3 in the K.O.’d in... Hawai’i series, 1 in the Coconut Man Ancient Hawai’i series and 1 animal communicator which WAS supposed to be a stand alone, but my fans are demanding another, so I suppose that’s my newest series!

What books or authors have influenced you?

When I was a kid, I read Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and The Three Investigators, but since there wasn’t YA back then, by the time I was 12 I was reading Agatha Christie and Erle Stanley Gardiner.

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

Selfishly, when someone I don’t know and am not related to, says they loved something I wrote!

Tell us about your latest release, BURN OUT.

Released a year ago, it’s doing well.  BURN OUT features Elizabeth Murphy and her fire fighter husband, Tig.  They live in a small (unnamed town) on the Central Coast of California.  She is an animal communicator (not pet psychic!) who carves out a small income serving local pet owners. However, when a temporary data entry position opens at the Fire Department, she accepts to earn a little extra money and be closer to her husband.  She notices a pattern in the frequency and severity of fire fighter injuries and when Tig is hurt on the job, Elizabeth intensifies her investigation.  However, her witnesses are animals and they don't have a great track record with reliable testimony on the stand.

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

 Absolutely!

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

Kapu-Sacred.  The first Coconut Man Mystery of Ancient Hawai’i.  That one was calling and calling.  I did 2 years of research before I could write a word.  I still didn’t have a character, although I knew he would be male and a Hawai’ian.  (K.O. is female and caucasian.)  I met an intriguing character on a research trip to Kauai.  I thought I was researching the next K.O., but no....  So, it was at least four years before Coconut Man came into the world!

What are some of the problems you faced while plotting a series with ongoing characters, Victoria?

Keeping track of things book to book.  Yes, I have logs of character traits, but in between books, etc, I lose track of the logs... I know, I know!

How do you develop characters?

The characters come to me, much like you’d meet a new *real* person. Then as I work with them, I discover new things. 

How do you choose your setting?

There was never a question of Hawai’i being my place.  I went to college there and didn’t leave until about 15 years ago. I worked closely with the Honolulu Police Department and had a great friend who became my source.

What are your protagonist’s strengths? Flaws?

She wants to save the world.  She bites off more than she can chew, and will do anything for a friend.  Yes, those are both her strengths and weaknesses.  She is loyal to a fault and believes in the law and her role in upholding it.  An ongoing conflict is that she is white in that world, and very much an outsider however long she lives there. 

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

Of course, Hawai’i is the home of my heart and I spend time there researching and revisiting old haunts.  K.O. happens to love the restaurants and hiking spots I do, so that helps! 

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

I attend conferences and conventions. I spend time in libraries and Facebook, Twitter and Linked In.  I teach workshops and belong to a local performing hula halau (group) and they invite me to participate in things, so I have the Aloha Spirit even far away from the Islands.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

At the moment I am helping our Sisters in Crime Chapter-Central Coast- launch their newest anthology, “Somewhere In Crime.”  Mystery and suspense short stories of historical fiction or time travel.  I am also figuring out the newest Elizabeth Murphy (animal communicator) book.  I am a middle school teacher so during the school year, I can’t create a novel.  That will happen next summer after I lay the ground work now.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

www.victoriaheckman.com or friend me on Facebook!
Thanks for the interview, cake and ice cream, Susan.

It was my pleasure, Victoria.  I hope the rest of your birthday is filled with special treats.
Now when can I expect my plane ticket to Hawaii? (joking!)

LOL.

Robert M. Roberts: The Monkey Toy

Robert M. Roberts, author of The Monkey Toy, is my guest today. Welcome to the blog, Robert.

It’s a privilege to be a guest on your blog, Susan. Thank you for inviting me today.

You betcha.

Tell us some things about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

It’s a beautiful day in the Hamptons and almost time for tea and crumpets. However, I’m not in the Hamptons, but live in a small town in the Ozark Mountains of the Midwest. We’re also out of crumpets, so I just polished off a salami sandwich and a beer. But, on a more serious note, I’m 63 years old and enjoy life with my wife and cat. I served in the United States Navy and am a Veteran of the Vietnam War. A few years ago, I retired from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and decided to write my first novel. I started it in the winter of 2000, and wrote about six chapters, but then became frustrated and laid it down. Ten years later, I picked it back up like it was the next day, and the result is my thriller, The Monkey Toy.

What has been your most rewarding experience in your writing career?

One of my main goals in writing is to keep the reader constantly engrossed in the story. It’s very rewarding when a reader tells me that my book was so interesting and fast-paced that they couldn’t put it down. A couple of weeks ago, one of my readers said, “I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, and only stopped for bathroom breaks.” This proved to me that I had accomplished my goal. This person was able to escape the reality of everyday life for a few hours. That’s what I call rewarding.

Tell us about your latest release, The Monkey Toy.

It’s a fast-paced thriller that takes place in a military setting. The book begins during the Korean War when a Navy jet collides with an unknown aircraft. The story rapidly advances to present day, when U.S. sailor, Randy Farren, finds an object from the crash on an uninhabited Korean island. Randy, and others who possess this object, begin having headaches, hallucinations, and nightmares. The story evolves into a chase around the world for the elusive object which entails murder and government conspiracies, with a touch of humor and light romance along the way.

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

It's available in paperback and Kindle format. In the U.S., you can find it in on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com, and createspace.com. It is also available on Amazon in the U.K., Germany, France, and Japan.

How do you choose your setting?

I almost always choose the settings from places I’ve actually been. I think it adds more realism and detail to the storyline. For instance, in The Monkey Toy, I travelled to most of those foreign countries when I was in the Navy, or when I worked as an international salesman for a printing press manufacturer. For the Roswell, New Mexico UFO crash segment of the book, I actually travelled to Roswell to see and learn everything I could about the incident.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

My mother and older siblings had really vivid imaginations, so I picked up a lot of things from them. I also spent a lot of time in movie theaters as a child. I guess the most influence would be growing up in my parents’ beer tavern, where I observed the daily cast of characters with all their unique personalities.

Can you tell us about current or future projects?

The Monkey Toy has already gotten some good reader reviews on amazon.com.  Currently, I’m finishing the final rewrite of my next thriller, Souls of the Desert. It will be released in the next few months. I’ve completed a few pages on my third novel, also a thriller, entitled The Running Boy that will be published in the middle to latter part of 2012.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

You can find out more about me and find links to purchase my work by visiting my author website, http://robertsnovels.com , or my blog, http://robertsnovels.blogspot.com . I’m a resident of Book Town, and you can follow me on Twitter, @RobertMRoberts.

It's a pleasure to spend time with you, Robert. All the best! See you around Booktown.

YA author, Marianna Heusler visits

 

 YA author, Marianna Heusler, is on the blog today. Welcome, Marianna! Tell us something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

 I wrote my first book when I was twelve. It was patterned after a Nancy Drew mystery and some of the girls in my class wrote their book reports using it. I was thrilled. But it took me thirty years to actually publish anything.

How many books have you written?

I have published seven books with one book coming out this winter. I have written at least a dozen books which are still in my drawer!

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

I love it when I see people reading and enjoying my books.

Tell us about your latest release.

The Day The Fortune Teller Died is a YA mystery, the second in a series. The first book The Night the Penningtons Vanished was nominated for an Edgar. When a fortune teller predicts that great harm will come to a new girl in school, Isabella, Vicki and Lauren are determined to learn who is going to harm Eve. When the fortune teller turns up dead, all the girls are in danger.

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

The book is available in print.

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

 I find YA more challenging to write than adult books because I write them from one point of view. Everything has to happen to the main character and everything is seen and felt through her perspective. When writing from several points of view, you have more options.

How do you develop characters?

When your characters are teenagers or children, it’s important that they solve the mystery themselves with little or no parental help. Therefore, there has to be a reason why they don’t tell adults the trouble that they’re facing. In my books the adults are either busy with their own problems or the kids have done something wrong, which they’re afraid of confessing. And, of course, left on their own, things often spiral out of control.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?  

I went to Catholic school until I was twenty-one and for a while, I was a Catholic school teacher. I can’t resist sprinkling some of my background in my writing.

Thanks for visiting, Marianna.

Nice to be here, Susan.

Richard Barnes: Bad Medicine

Richard Barnes is visiting today. Richare, thanks for dropping by. Please tell us about your latest release, Bad Medicine.

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

            Bad Medicine, a murder mystery, is my fourth novel, set on a remote (for most readers) island in Northern Ontario, where my family vacations. The island’s proximity to the US border prompted smuggling as a motive for evil doings there. For this book I chose as my protagonist a 43-year-old divorced woman, having never written from a woman’s point of view. The story involves her returning to her family home on the island from her job as a police investigator after being wounded on the job.

She finds her girlhood boyfriend embroiled in a murder, and gets caught up in the investigation. Counterfeit drug smuggling and White supremacy are the principal themes of the plot.  

What books or authors have influenced you?

            That’s a tough question for me. My education was technology, and I missed out on the liberal arts. While I read my share of books, my tastes were eclectic. I like to write as tightly as I can, so I’d say that guys like Stephen King and Elmore Leonard are those I like to emulate.

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

            Like all struggling writers, getting published. More specifically, my novel The Corydon Snow being nominated for Best Work of Fiction for 2011 (winners to be announced in October) by the Military Writers Society of America was a big thrill.

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

            They all had different challenges, but the research that went into Snow was extraordinary. The story takes place on a merchant vessel during WWII, and follows the course of the Pacific battles to the letter. .I learned a lot writing that manuscript. The book is still dear to my heart.

How do you develop characters?

            I’ve learned, through many rewrites how not to develop them. If I could describe it in a few words, I’d say I’m patient in their development. If I try to paint a picture too soon , I wind up ‘telling’, rather than ‘showing.’ I like to make them human with real foibles and fears.

How do you choose your setting?

            Again, it depends on the story. In The Faircloth Reaction, I needed a university setting. My protagonist was a grad student in Chemical Engineering. NC State, in Raleigh, was close enough for me to visit for a day to do some research.

            For Brink, I wanted a high tech area of the country and chose San Jose, CA, in Silicon Valley.

            For Bad Medicine, it was the setting first and the story later. I thought St. Joseph Island such a unique and interesting place, there should be a story to go with it. Its proximity to Michigan did the trick.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

There is no doubt that my chemical education and background in chemical marketing has colored my writing in Faircloth and Brink. My military experience certainly aided me in Corydon Snow, even though I was Army as opposed to Navy.  

I’ll say this: Having spent a career traveling around the world for business, and experiencing many varied cultures, has enriched my writing, a gift to which I am most grateful.

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

I’ve got to admit, I could and should give this subject more attention. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook, and I try to keep my website active, and attractive. Beyond that I’ll send press releases out on my new books, and have been moderately successful with local newspaper coverage. Unfortunately, the big market papers are not giving much attention to writers for independent publishers.

I’ve had moderate to good success with my two book signings, and have an interview in the works with an Ontario newspaper about my last book. Does it result in mega sales? No. At this point, after four books, I work on establishing my brand with the thought to someday get a retainer from one of the major houses. If that day never comes, I will consider my writing worth every minute of the hard work it demands.                               

Well, we wish you continued success and many more signings, Richard! I hope to see you at Cape Fear Crime Festival in Wilmington in February.

Laura Burks: ALTERED

I welcome Laura Burks, author of Altered.

Laura, tell us about your debut novel.

Thanks for asking, Susan. My debut novel, Altered is a young adult paranormal romance with a mystery element. Altered was released September 1, 2011 through Wings ePress in both print and epub.

Altered started out with a few simple ideas: a book that mysterious writes on foggy nights, a curse, vivid dreams, and an eighteen-year-old girl in a small town.  Did I say simple? I thought it was when I started, but as I wrote, the mystery, paranormal and romance element had to fit just right, so simple was not always the case.  I also chose to write Altered in first person, so the reader can really feel the emotions and get in the head of the main character, Jenna.

Here’s a few lines to sum up –

For eighteen-year-old Jenna Larson, spending the summer falling in love should be normal. But when she discovers a cursed book capable of secret writings and a hidden message, finding a way to alter the curse to save a life changed everything. Only Jenna’s choice may have already chosen her.

 Tell us something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.      

I’m such a people person and I love to talk. Answering this question might be too easy. First of all, I have never been a book-worm. Not even sure I like that term, but people use it all the time. I do love to read, but I find stories interesting at so many levels: movies, plays, music, real life, and of course, books.  When I was in the first grade, my teacher went around the room and asked everyone what they wanted to be when they grew up. I heard doctor, lawyer, bus driver, and then it was my turn. Well, the only answer I had was that I wanted to be famous.  Not sure exactly what type of famous I wanted, but in my mind I wanted to share stories. I think I pictured myself in movies. What’s funny is that I probably was thinking “Brady Bunch.”

What has been your most rewarding experience during the writing process?

The most rewarding experience for me has been self-discovery. It’s not the only rewarding experience, but one that was there from the start. You see, when I decided to write Altered, it was a solo effort.  Meaning only my family knew what I was doing and encouraged me all the way. I discovered things about myself I never took the time to see. It wasn’t until I was finished that I met other writers. Of course that opened up another side that I found and still find incredible.

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

Yes, it’s available in all formats. You can visit www.wings-press.com,

www.amazon.com , or my website at www.lauraburks.com .

 How do you choose your setting?

I wanted a small town setting for Altered. I felt having a small town would give more of a mysterious feel rather than a large town. Being that I’m from Louisiana, stories of hauntings, curses, and weird happenings are a part of life here or at least in some areas. So I chose a small town in Louisiana as my setting. Now, I have to tell you, the small town I chose is not a cursed town. Remember, it’s a fiction book and I needed a small town, so I chose a place that I was familiar with. If the town I chose has any weird or unexplained happenings, it’s just a coincidence. Now I can’t say that for every place in Louisiana. After all, we are the home of famous ghost stories and voodoo.

How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

I’m an only child who has always had a vivid imagination. Not strange, just creative. I was also raised and still am a practicing Catholic. Yes, all of this had a big part in my writing. For me, I wanted to write something that my family, friends, and even one day grandchildren could pick up and read. Altered is geared toward young adult starting at the middle school age on up. What I love about the young adult genre is that is draws even the adult readers in as well. Probably more adults read young adult novels today than ever before. Maybe it’s because it brings us back to a innocent, simpler time in our life that we tend to forget.

 Laura, I wish you great succes with Altered.

Thanks Susan for hosting me today.

My pleasure.