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

Dee Ernst

My guest today is Dee Ernst. Welcome, Dee.

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?

I live in Northern New Jersey, which gives me access and knowledge of NYC and the Jersey shore.  Both of my current books take place in NJ, as does my Work-In-Progress.  By having familiar settings, I have less to worry about as far as the where and how of my my characters.  It’s tough enough to think about dialog, action, what they’re wearing, how they’re thinking – if I had to think about how the street looks or what the weather might be like in October, it might be too much!

How many books have you written?

The first book I wrote, called (how funny is this) Shades of Gray, never made it past countless rejections.  I have self-pubbed two novels, Better Off Without Him, in 2010, and A Different Kind of Forever in April of this year.  I’m about a third of my way through the next project.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

A Different Kind of Forever is a romance between a forty-something divorced mother of three and a 27 year old rock star.  It’s not just a cougar-type romance.  These two people have to work a lot of things out, including a returning old boyfriend.  It’s got some spice to it, and I’d like to think some humor as well, but I wanted it to be realistic too.

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

In Better Off Without Him, as all my friends read it, they told me over and over again that the main character, Mona, sounded just like me.  My life is much different than hers.  I’m a struggling – not successful- author, and am happily married, but we think and react much the same.  My protagonist in A Different Kind of Forever is not me at all.  She’s much more practical and independent.  Smarter too. But we both love roses, have daughters, and dance by ourselves while cleaning the house.

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

Both my books are available in print and as eBooks.  Right now, I’m with a program at Amazon where the eBooks are exclusive with them, but that will be changing in September, and the eBook versions should be available for Nook. Sony, and at the iTunes store. The print versions are available at Amazon and B&N.

I’m also working to get Better Off Without Him out as an audiobook.  A wonderful voice-over artist named Gillian Vance is working on it now, and I hope that will be available mid-August.

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

Writing, as hard as it is, is still much easier than selling.  Finding readers is hours and hours of work. I’ve been very lucky to have a few great promo opportunities on Amazon, and I’ve actually started getting an audience.  But Better Off Without Him was first published in October of 2010, and it was only this past spring that it really took off.  That meant a year and a half spent trying – and often failing – to find readers through reviews, blogs mentions and give-aways.

For other writers?  Do your homework.  If you’re going to self-publish, hang out with other self-pubbers and ask questions.  Figure out a marketing plan before you publish.  Get professional editing and cover art.  Have realistic expectations, because there’s a lot of disappointment built into being a writer.

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

I have lots of paragraphs/scenes/conversations/chapterson my computer.  I have a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast these days, so if something strikes me, I try to write it out as soon as possible.  Some stuff has been here for a couple of years.  Some projects are over a hundred pages long, still sitting there unfinished.  Some of it I know I’ll never use in its original form, but may be a springboard for something else.  I’m not the kind of person who has hundreds of book ideas a week.  It takes me a while to fully form a book in my head.

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

Finding reviewers is first and foremost for me.  I spend a LOT of time looking for suitable blog sites, then I look to that blogger’s Blogroll and go to those sites,,,it’s hours on the computer. Many reviewers aren’t taking any new books, some take your copy and never write the review, most just ignore the original request because they’re so overwhelmed.  I try to do guest blogs and interviews whenever I can.  I’ve done blog tours and give-aways on Goodreads.  I’ve given away over 50,000 free copies of Better Off Without Him on Amazon as a promo.  The best thing about those Amazon freebies is that they resulted in lots of reviews and readers who emailed me about how much they liked the book.

Getting readers to write reviews is tough.

I have also donated paperback copies of both my books to local libraries.  One reader emailed me about how much she loved my book, but was sorry she couldn’t lend it to her sister because it was an eBook, so I sent her a paperback.  I don’t mind losing a sale if I can get a reader who may tell a friend or two.  With a zero promotion budget, my readers are all I’ve got.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I’m getting my own website in the next few months – I actually own DeeErnst.com.  It’s kind of exciting.  But I do have a blog where you can check in to see what’s going on – I only post there about once a month, so it’s not too hard to keep up with.  http://dernst2010.wordpress.com/  

Dee, the best of success to you!

Meet Tom Blubaugh

Tom Blubaugh was raised in a small town in southeast KS. He began writing poetry at age fourteen. Tom has written nonfiction writer most of his adult life. He self-published his first book Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.  Tom wrote articles for denominational and business magazines  from 1975 through 1995. He co-wrote The Great Adventure for Barbour Publishing Co. in 2009. Bound by Faith Publishers published his first fiction Night of the Cossack in April, 2011. Tom is married to Barbara. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Both are retired. Tom has been public speaker for 40 years. He was a self-employed entrepreneur  from1973 to 1995. Tom retired in 2004 and has devoted most of his time to writing and volunteer work.

Welcome, Tom!

Describe your writing in three words.

Hard, interesting and rewarding.

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?

I live in southwest Missouri. I’ve lived here since 1976 and I’ve met a great many interesting people. Branson is an hour south and that’s a whole different world of entertainment. There’s never any lack of things to write about.

How many books have you written?

Two of my own and two that I co-wrote with other authors.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure by Tom Blubaugh about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga.

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

Quite a bit in Night of the Cossack. I basically created my grandfather since I never got to meet him. He died before I was born.

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

They do. I read this in an article when I started writing. I thought there’s no way that can happen—but it does.

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

Yes. On Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

What challenges did you face while writing this book?

The research was very demanding. There was so much going on in Russia at the time of my grandfather lived there.

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

That I will no longer enter a library or book store and take the books for granted. Each one of them has a huge amount of work behind them and they didn’t just jump on the shelf.

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

I have written hundreds of articles for my website over the years. Each one of them has the making of a book or a novella. I also use a program named Snowflake.

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

The platform is the hardest work in selling a book. I am very involved in social networking, blogging and speaking. In some ways, the Internet is an easy way to get my name out into the world and at the same time, it’s very hard because there is so much competition.

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

One goal is to make Night of the Cossack a best seller; another is to finish the sequel—but time is flying by; a third is to set up online classes or webinars about building a platform; and setting up a section of my website/blog for doing audio interviews or authors and other interesting people.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

Here are all of my links:

Night of the Cossack historical fiction ebooks available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

Night of the Cossack historical fiction signed paperback at Night of the Cossack  FREE shipping to address in USA.

Night of the Cossack historical fiction pdf file will be available soon.

Facebook fan page

The Write Trail Scribbling from the sometimes creative/sometimes scattered mind of Tom Blubaugh

Twitter @tomblubaugh

Goodreads

Authors Den

Info-line for writers promotion

Linkedin to join my network

Genesis Project my ministry site

Follow me on Pinterest

Thanks for letting me interview you, Thomas. Continued success!

Pat Bertram's Light Bringer

Pat Bertram is a native of Colorado and except for a brief stay in the north woods of Wisconsin and California, she’s lived there all her life. When the traditional publishers stopped publishing her favorite type of book — character and story driven novels that can’t easily be slotted into a genre — she decided to write her own.

Pat, welcome to the blog.

Thank you, Susan.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written five books. Light Bringer is my fourth novel to be published by Second Wind Publishing, LLC. Also available are three other novels,  More Deaths Than One , A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I, and one work of non-fiction, Grief: The Great Yearning,.

Tell us about Light Bringer, your most recent novel.

Thirty-seven years after being abandoned on the doorstep of a remote cabin in Colorado, Becka Johnson returns to try to discover her identity, but she only finds more questions. Who has been looking for her all those years? And why are those same people after fellow newcomer Philip Hansen? The book is a tale of a conspiracy that can be traced back for thousands of years, and Becka and Philip are right in the center of it.

Give a short synopsis of your most recently published book.

My latest release is a non-fiction book Grief: The Great Yearning, a compilation of letters, blog posts, and journal entries I wrote while struggling to survive my first year of grief after the death of my life mate/soul mate. I wanted my fellow bereft to know that whatever crazy things they do to bring themselves comfort, others have done. And as hard as it is to believe, they will survive.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters of your books?

Freud thought every role in a dream was played by the dreamer, and in a way, that’s the way my books are. The emotions the characters feel are mine since I can only write what I feel, and their personal problems are ones I’ve grappled with. In the writing, though, the characters become more than I ever was as they develop in response to the needs of the story.

As for my nonfiction work, nothing of me is hidden in Grief: The Great Yearning. I tell it all --- my heart ache, my tears, the physical effects of grief, my bewilderment, the great yearning, the strange and mystical thoughts that went through my mind. The whole experience stunned me. I had no idea the scope of grief one went through after losing the most significant person in your life, and I wrote it all down. At the time, I had no intention of sharing the writings, so they are very candid.

How long had the idea of Light Bringer been developing before you began to write the story?

Light Bringer stewed in my brain pan for several years before I actually started to write it. It was the first book I conceived, but I couldn’t figure out who my alien characters were, where they were from, why they were here, so when other stories captured my imagination, I went with them. In between finishing my various novels, I worked on Light Bringer, trying to develop the idea and research the specifics. If you include my research, which I’d been doing for decades before the story ever entered my mind, you could say the idea for the book had been developing for about thirty years.

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

The greatest lesson I learned was not to listen to advice. People say that to be a writer, you always have to write, but that isn’t true. Sometimes you simply have to live, to experience life, otherwise, what do you have to write about?

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

Mostly I’m blogging, writing articles, posting interviews with other authors, contributing short stories to Second Wind’s anthologies, and I have a work-in-pause --- a whimsically ironic apocalyptic fantasy --- that is waiting for me whenever I get the inclination to write again.

Where can folks learn more about you and your books?

I have a website -- http://patbertram.com -- where I post important information, including the first chapters of each of my books, but the best way to keep up with me, my writing, and my life on a daily basis is by way of Bertram’s Blog. http://ptbertram.wordpress.com 

All my books are available both in print and in ebook format. You can get them online at Second Wind Publishing, Amazon, B&N and Smashwords. Smashwords is great! The books are available in all ebook formats, including palm reading devices, and you can download the first 20-30% free!

Pat, it's been a pleasure. Best wishes to you in all future endeavors!