The Book Knights Blog Tour – Interview

Tags

Arti, Interview, J.G. McKenney, King Arthur, Rockstar Book Tours, The Book Knights, YA

About the Book:

Title: THE BOOK KNIGHTS

Author: J.G. McKenney

Pub. Date: July 5, 2017

Publisher: J.G. McKenney

Pages: 272

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Goodreads

From the award winning author of EON’S DOOR comes an Arthurian tale like no other. 

When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay’s possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
THE BOOK KNIGHTS is a fantasy adventure in which knights wield words as weapons, librarians are wizards, and books can change the future.

Your book is a modern reimagining of King Arthur, which I think is fantastic. What made you decide to place these characters in a modern setting rather than provide your own spin on the classic tales?

I thought the story would be more relatable to readers if I placed the characters in a modern setting. I want readers to understand how important the power of words is to us now, and make clear the threats posed to our freedom to think and live the way we choose.

Can you tell us a little about Arti, who is the heroine in this story? What inspired you to cast the modern King Arthur as a young girl?

I chose a young girl because I wanted to challenge the classic Arthur stereotype of the active male hero. I wanted Arti to be a model to all those smart young girls and women whose love of books and reading gives them the power to overcome obstacles, no matter how daunting.

When did you first become interested in the Arthurian stories? Is there a particular tale that is your favorite? What makes that one stand out from the rest?

I’ve always enjoyed the Arthurian stories, but rather than one part standing out, I really like how they work together to explore the heroic journey. In writing THE BOOK KNIGHTS, I drew on Arthur’s pulling of the sword from the stone, the Lady of the Lake and Excalibur, and the quest for the Holy Grail. They are all equally important to the story.

The cover is really awesome. How did you come up with the idea for that design?

I’m glad you like the cover. It’s a representation of the Grail Tome, an ancient and magical book. Arti Penderhagen and her “book knights” must steal the tome from Morgan Fay so Arti can write the book’s final page to change the future and save her friends and family.

Where did you get the idea of reciting poetry to provide a magical effect, such as boosting physical strength? Did you encounter any challenges with the idea?

The power of words is a key theme in THE BOOK KNIGHTS, so I thought it would be cool to have words/poetry used in combat. In the story, it’s referred to as “the strike of words” and I think it really works. The difficulty I faced was in creating a language and a fighting method that were believable but not overly complicated or confusing.

About J.G.:

Although the name on my books is “J.G.” McKenney, you can call me John. I’m a writer and a teacher. I also consider myself a book knight, but you’ll need to read my latest novel to find out what that’s all about.

My fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when I discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment. It’s an addiction I don’t intend to kick. The problem is I’ll be dead long before I can write all the books I’ve got in my head. There…just thought of another one.

In the winter, if I’m not at work keeping tabs on my Co-op students, you’ll find me at home working away on a manuscript, reading someone else’s book, or walking with my wife and best friend, Wendy. If it’s Friday afternoon, I’ll be playing hockey with the boys.

Summer’s my favorite season because it gives me more time to write. It’s also the time for boating, swimming, and reclining in my zero-gravity chair under the shade of the maple trees next the lake shore. Oh, and walking with my wife. If it’s Thursday afternoon, I’ll be playing golf with…you guessed it…the boys.

I’d love to hear from you. Follow me on Twitter @JGMcKenney or reach out through my “Contact Me” page with your questions or comments. I’ll let you know about my promotions, including when I offer free books!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE BOOK KNIGHTS, US Only.

3 winners will receive an eBook of THE BOOK KNIGHTS, International.

Rafflecopter link:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2628/?

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Liebster Award!

Tags

Interview, Liebster Award

Allison D. Reid nominated me for a Liebster Award last week! I was quite surprised and honored that she thought to include my blog. Thank you, Allison, for the honor…it was fun reading your own answers. Before I jump into the questions and my own answers, I’d best share what the rules are for everyone else reading this post, and for those I’ve nominated in turn (the list is at the bottom of the page).

– Say thank you to the person who has nominated you for the award.
– Answer the 11 questions the person has asked you.
– Nominate 11 people (comment on their blog to let them know).
– Ask the people you have nominated 11 questions

Allison’s questions to me:

1. What is your favorite book, or if you prefer, your favorite author?

Well this one is quite easy, although five or ten years ago the answer might have been very different. My favorite author, without question, is J.R.R. Tolkien and my favorite book is The Hobbit, although I think The Children of Hurin, The Silmarillion, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy all deserve mention in the same conversation. They are all excellent reads, and each is unique in its own way.

2. Is there a country you have always wanted to visit, if so where?

This is another one that shifted in recent years. I used to really, really want to go to Scotland. I still do. But I think I’d want to go to England first, followed by Iceland, then New Zealand, with Scotland coming in fourth now.

3. What do you enjoy about blogging, and how has your blog changed in unexpected ways since you started it?

It is great to connect to other writers, bloggers, and readers. My blog changed from being a place for my own writing in 2012 and has evolved several times since then. I’ve tried book blogging, Indie Author promotion, Scripture Study, and book clubs. It is hard finding a niche, and that is okay because right now the flexibility allows me to take on more when time allows and drop other things when I need to free that time for other things. Right now the plan is to review a few books as I can, to continue the Medieval Book Club, and try to network with other authors while promoting information about my own book releases coming up.

4. What’s your preferred writing and/or blogging space?

I don’t really have a preferred space because it is all done at my desk. I do have some Middle-Earth maps on the wall and usually a playlist with either Lord of the Rings soundtracks or Brunuhville playing as I write. But the space itself is very simple.

5. How do you find inspiration?

Reading other writers. Seeing other Indie Authors finding success. Having a multitude of stories dancing in my head that demand to be told and an imagination that can always find inspiration for new stories.

6. What do you like to do for fun when you need a break from writing (or from your blog)?

Playing board games. Not Monopoly and Scrabble and those other games, but the modern wave of board games. There are excellent ones out there, hundreds and hundreds of better games than you grew up playing. And I’d love to talk about them with anyone interested!

7. What started you down the road of writing and/or blogging?

I’ve always had an interest in writing, but blogging in 2012 when I was creating flash fiction, so to speak, and posting them on my blog was what really cemented things. Not only did it lead to the creation of Ava and the Monster Huntress series and of the starting scenes for A Merchant in Oria, but it also helped me to connect to some great authors. One of whom I still am connected with and am eagerly waiting for her Elven Games book to see the light of day. 😀

8. Are there any Indie authors you would recommend to readers looking for a good book?

In no particular order:

Allison D. Reid
Andrea Lundgren
Joshua Robertson
Lillian Oake
Beth Hammond
Stephanie Ayers
A.L. Mabry
Josh Brown
Alex Ness
Patrick S. Baker
Anais Chartschenko
Elin V. Pettersson

And many others who I have missed but are equally worthy of mention and many others whose work I still have not read!

9. How do you keep yourself motivated?

Here is a secret: I don’t do well at this. Motivation comes in waves, where I can spend weeks pouring heart and soul into writing and then months without writing a word beyond the blogging. My seasons of writing come and go, but with a novella releasing this month and the possibility of a book in the near future, I am hoping to see more writing blossom in 2017!

10. What superpower would you choose and why?

Forget superpowers, just give me a T.A.R.D.I.S. and I’ll call it even. I’d much rather be able to travel through time and space than be able to fly, be invisible, have superhuman strength, etc.

11. What four people would you invite to a dinner party; contemporary, historical, or fictional?

I’m going to copy Allison’s own answer here, because I would provide the same answer, including the intimidation factor:

I would go to the Eagle and Child and sit down with the Inklings for an evening. I’d be completely intimidated by all of them, of course, and I doubt they would think much of my writing, but it would be a dream come true to just be in their company.

***

Now here are my nominations for the Liebster Award! (In no particular order):

Lillian Oake
Stephanie Ayers
A.L. Mabry
J.K. Allen
Stacy Overby
Emma T. Gitani
Anais Chartschenko
Katheryn Avila
Andrea Lundgren
Joshua Robertson
Jamie Lapeyrolerie

And the 11 questions, some the same and/or similar to the ones answered above.

1. What is your favorite book, or if you prefer, your favorite author?
2. Is there a country you have always wanted to visit, if so where?
3. What do you enjoy about blogging, and how has your blog changed in unexpected ways since you started it?
4. What is your biggest fandom and how did your fandom start?
5. What is the best book you’ve read so far this year? What books are you looking forward to reading still in 2017?
6. What do you like to do for fun when you need a break from writing (or from your blog)?
7. What started you down the road of writing and/or blogging?
8. Are there any Indie authors you would recommend to readers looking for a good book?
9. What is your favorite method of connecting with your blog readers?
10. What is the craziest thing you can remember wanting to be when you grew up and why did the younger you want to be that?
11. What four people would you invite to a dinner party; contemporary, historical, or fictional?

Author Interview: Clayton Graham

Tags

Alien, Graham Clayton, Indie Author, Interview, Milijun, Paranormal, Saving Paludis, Sci-Fi

Welcome! Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

Hello. Thanks for the invitation.  My name is Graham Clayton but I write under the pen name of Clayton Graham. I was born at Stockport in the UK and settled in Victoria, Australia in 1982. A retired aerospace engineer, I am married with two daughters and five grandsons.

MILIJUN is my debut novel.

What motivates you to write?

I guess I’m from what used to be called a ‘working class’ family in the UK, growing up immediately after World War 2. Reading the Science Fiction of H G Wells and Jules Verne was no doubt an escape into different worlds, somewhere to forget the poverty and hardship left by war – at least for a while.

My childhood was spent among cobbled streets, rations books,  two rooms up, two rooms down terraced houses, milkman’s horses, coal dumped in the cellar, fish and chips [on good days], bread and dripping [on bad days], and low-paid footballers. We survived on the basics.

In a nutshell, my early environment encouraged reading, and from that sprung the urge to write. I don’t think it’s anything more than that, other than perhaps having an innate creative urge.

What is the title of your most recent book? Give us a brief overview on what the book is about.

The title of the book is ‘MILIJUN’, which is a Science Fiction story with a hint of the paranormal. The action takes place primarily in the Australian outback in the year 2179.

The heroine, Laura Sinclair and teenage son, Jason, witness aliens descend to Earth. They are the primary characters in the novel, and everything revolves around them.

The extra-terrestrials are trying to form a symbiotic relationship with humankind, the critical part of which is a spiritual connection. So the adventure begins.

The novel explores the deep relationship between a mother and son. How far can it be stretched before the links break? How far would a mother go to save her son? Would she be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, or undertake actions she would never have deemed possible prior to the alien incursion?

Laura finds herself surrounded by a relentless web of frightening new technologies, human weaponry and alien mystery, but forged by the undying love of her son, she gains a strength of character she never thought possible. She and Jason become different people. They have to, really, or they would not survive.

What makes it unique from the other books out there?

I would say the spirituality of the aliens. They possess advanced technology, but it is tempered by a mysterious sanctity. That being said, they can make mistakes, too.

Also the difference in Laura and Jason’s personalities – the interaction between them, which is a catalyst spurring many events in the novel.

What is the title of your current work-in-progress or the most recent manuscript you’ve completed apart from your most recent book? Would you mind sharing what it is about?

I am working on ‘SAVING PALUDIS’ at the moment, which is set in the year 3898 AD, some one hundred and forty light years from Earth. It explores the conflict and the links between an alien culture and mankind, interplanetary economics, military force and ultimate power. It also asks the question: what happens when a culture concentrates on a single purpose-driven technology over a period of hundreds of years?

There are several subplots, but as a swift share − when the bottom drops out of the Paludis economy, desperation is seeded as the planet begins to suffer. However, the discovery of a new technology that can dramatically change the way humans explore the universe looks like it will save the day. The mother planet, however, does not see it that way, especially when several savage attacks on Earth appear to emanate from Paludis.

Inevitable conflict results, and it is only the combined efforts of a group of renegade humans and their alien allies which can ensure the survival of Paludis. But can they overcome the military might of the mother planet?

Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?

My characters are definitely pure fiction. I do know people [male and female] who would behave like Laura does when she first comes across the aliens, but I cannot guarantee that those people would react to later events like she does.

The same goes for Jason. My grandsons are not teenagers yet, so there are no clues there. My own teenage years were a mix of study and play, and I certainly did not come across anything unusual in the form of extraterrestrial events.

When all is said and done, Laura and Jason behave like many people would do when faced with the unknown. Run away or walk forward – take your pick.

Having said that I do have two daughters who have five sons between them, so maybe something rubbed off there.

Who should buy this book?

I believe MILIJUN would appeal to readers who enjoy alien-based action set primarily on Earth, or any other planet for that matter; people who don’t necessarily want space wars or battling stellar craft with super weapons in a Sci-Fi Novel, but are interested in technology and where it can take us, for better or worse.

It would also greatly appeal to mystery, thriller and paranormal genre readers, and people who enjoyed the movies Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Contact, and going back a bit, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

In addition, it would most certainly captivate people who cherish their mother and son relationship. Laura and Jason, I feel, have the connection which most mothers and sons would want – full of love, strong and unbreakable. It would be wonderful if all relationships were like that!

If you had to choose, what would you say are the most important ideas you’re sharing in your book that is really going to add value to the reader’s life?

The idea that, like humans, intelligent alien life will more than likely have a spiritual side. Humans have developed their spirituality through thousands of years. We are growing closer to understanding it, and where our place is in the universe. An advanced alien society will have progressed much further – for example, maybe they will have proven the existence of the afterlife, or maybe they will have entered other dimensions. Anything is possible – we should not deride anything even if it’s outside our comfort zone.

I wanted Milijun to explore how humanity would react when faced with an intelligence it cannot comprehend. It’s a good question, for it may happen someday. We are not currently prepared, of course, we are light years away from understanding how we should behave in such a circumstance.

Basically, Milijun challenges the reader’s mindsets through the eyes of a mother and son, and as such is perhaps more powerful and meaningful than if that challenge was through the eyes of the United Nations or the President of the United States.

How often do you write?

Whenever spare time and the urge to create combine. Sometimes it’s frequently; on other occasions there may be powerful conflicting forces – like holidays or grandchildren.

What famous author would you compare your own writing style with?

Probably Dean Koontz, who just happens to be my favorite scribe. I enjoy short chapters and I employ them a lot. Koontz is a master of the paranormal, making it almost seem like an everyday occurrence.

Who are five of your favorite authors?

Five is not a lot, but I enjoy:

Dean Koontz

Three of the old masters – H G Wells, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham

Also Kate Atkinson [for the grittiness] and Agatha Christie [for the flow of the mystery]

What are you currently reading?

Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven. A revisit, and how Mars should be, or perhaps was!!

Time for some quick questions:

• Favorite Quote?

 

One I used towards the end of Milijun – The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.  [Robert Lee Frost, (American Poet), 1874 – 1963]

• Favorite Book?

 

Midnight by Dean Koontz

• Favorite Book Series?

 

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

• Favorite Movie?

 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

• Favorite TV Show?

 

Midsomer Murders

• Coffee or Tea?

 

Definitely Tea, usually green

• If you could have one superpower what would it be?

 

Time Travel, which may eventually become a non-super power.

If you could be one character from your own writing, who would it be and why?

Jason Sinclair in Milijun. For one thing he is a teenager! He also possesses an insatiable thirst for the unknown and is seldom phased by anything. He doesn’t mind challenging what he sees as nonsense, and voicing his opinion accordingly. Perhaps like most teenagers?

Finally, what advice would you give to other writers?

We can start with the obvious one – read your genre. Don’t start to write before reading, that’s like running before you can walk. If you have done your reading, and you have the urge to write, just write and see what comes out. Never throw anything away – a lot easier now with the advent of computers.

Also keep a pencil and pad on your bedside table. Quite often you will wake up with an idea, a thought, maybe just a sentence or phrase, or even a piece of dialogue. Scribble it down, file it somewhere safe.

Also don’t release your book too soon. Check out marketing options and get some reviews.

*****

Clayton Graham was born and raised in the cobbled streets of Stockport, near Manchester UK. He graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Salford University in 1966 having attained a Student Apprenticeship with English Electric Aviation.

He settled in Victoria, Australia in 1982. He is a retired aerospace engineer who enjoyed working in the field of efficient lightweight structures and watching them fly around the world. He has always had an interest in Science Fiction and where it places humankind within the universe we know and love. He loves the ‘old school’ science fiction written by authors such as HG Wells, Jules Verne and John Wyndham. Also the works of Isaac Asimov.

Milijun is his debut novel, but there are further adventures to come.

Clayton loves animals, including well behaved pets, and all the natural world, and is a member of Australian Geographic.

When he is not writing, walking, travelling, or gardening, Clayton enjoys fine food with family, friends and five energetic grandchildren.

Web Site: http://claytongraham.com.au/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/claytongrahamauthor/

Authors Show Radio Interview: http://claytongraham.com.au/authors-show-interview/

BOOK LINKS:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28525954-milijun?from_search=true

https://www.amazon.com/milijun-would-alien-interaction-really-ebook/dp/B01A4XY0UI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478232229&sr=1-1&keywords=milijun

Author Interview: Werner Stejskal

Tags

Children's Book, Indie Author, Interview, Oliver and Jumpy, Werner Stejskal

Here is a chance to check out an author via an interview. You never know, reading an interview could lead you to finding your next favorite author. In this case, Werner is the author of children’s books that I am confident you will find to be very interesting. Be sure to check out his work, and his links at the bottom of the interview.

Welcome! Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

My name is Werner Stejskal. I was born in Vienna, Austria and live with my wife and married two children in Perth, Australia since 28 years. I started off in the Printing Industry, worked later for the UNO in Vienna for many years before making the fundamental decision to move to Australia. After retiring from my online export business I was blessed one sleepless night with the idea for my series ‘Oliver and Jumpy’, giving me a new purpose in life.

What motivates you to write?

I have always been reading a lot and it was a short step to develop an interest in writing. I never considered myself capable to write novels though. It was more just for myself. I loved to create an alternative kind of children’s books to all the current ones being sold. I am more a business man than writer, so my current setup suits me well. I write the stories, find illustrators, translators and editors by myself and also produce my own books using various softwares.

What is the title of your most recent book? Give us a brief overview on what the book is about.

There are lots of fairy tales and bedtime stories around and many of them quite violent. This made me decide to write something different. On a flight from Europe to Australia I watched the movie Magic on Belle Island with Morgan Freeman, where Freeman teaches a little girl to have imagination and write her first story. This inspired me as well and the first stories with the two characters Oliver, the elegant tomcat, and Jumpy, his kangaroo lady friend, made their appearance.

I do things very differently to most authors. There is actually no last book, but a whole series of 20 ebooks or 10 POD’s with 62 stories which I finished off before publishing them all at once within a short time. ‘Oliver and Jumpy’ is now four years in the making. English, Chinese, Spanish is ready and German coming up.

What makes it unique from the other books out there?

I found that a lot of picture books have very simple and few illustrations, little text and are for a very small age range. I decided on Walt Disney style drawings because they can be quite complex and the characters have, well, character. Most of my illustrators managed to create that image. The stories all started out with 1000 each, which is far too many for picture books. I had to keep reducing the text, but there is still more to read than in most picture books. There is usually a lesson to be learned, even though it is a very subtle one and quite well hidden in the story. I tried to keep the text with the illustration, rather than use a separate page for the text and have only half the book illustrated. I am self-published and do not worry about page restrictions of various printers. My books can be between 33-50 pages.

What is the title of your current work-in-progress or the most recent manuscript you’ve completed apart from your most recent book? Would you mind sharing what it is about?

I am working on the German version of my series. After this I may tackle Japanese and Hindi. The final goal is to produce a TV series with ‘Oliver and Jumpy’.

What do you find most useful during your writing process?

My Ipad. I practically live with it. I do everything with it. Write, produce my books and YouTube clips, Social Networking and finding reviewers.

What are you doing for promotion?

Promotions are all encompassing. There is no one thing that works by itself. I spend a lot of time finding reviewers. Now I try to get into local papers, TV stations, podcasts, author interviews. My aggregator helps to get the books into promotions on all ebook platforms. The social media is important.

How often do you write?

I wrote the whole series within two months. Now is time for production and promotion. No more writing until the next series.

What famous author would you compare your own writing style with?

I would not dare!

Who are five of your favorite authors?

Jefferey Deaver, Nora Roberts, James Michener, Michael Connelly, Maragret Mitchell

What are you currently reading?

Jeffery Deaver – The Twelfth Card

Time for some quick questions:

• Favorite Quote?

 

Never stop learning.

• Favorite Book?

 

Gone with the Wind

• Favorite Book Series?

 

All Nora Robert series

• Favorite Movie?

 

I repeat myself, Gone with the Wind.

• Favorite TV Show?

 

Yes, there was a time I watched TV. Long time ago.

• Coffee or Tea?

 

Very weak coffee.

• If you could have one superpower what would it be?

 

Write novels!

If you could be one character from your own writing, who would it be and why?

Why, that’s obvious – Oliver is me and I am Oliver.

Finally, what advice would you give to other writers?

Treat your writing as a business right from the beginning. There are tax benefits! Start building a relevant social media presence to build your own audience. You can feed them the progress of your work and they may be receptive when you finally have a finished product!

Social media links

http://www.facebook.com/werner.stejskal

@Oliver And Jumpy

https://plus.google.com/+WernerStejskal

Instagram: Werner.Stejskal

https://au.linkedin.com/in/oliverandjumpy

Amazon Author’s page with free books:

https://www.amazon.com/Werner-Stejskal/e/B00NFANG58/

Website: www.bedtimestory4you.com

Indie Author Spotlight: Marie Lavender

Tags

Blue Vision, Indie Author, Interview, Marie Lavendar, Romance, Sci-Fi

Welcome! Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

 

Hello! My name is Marie Lavender. I am a multi-genre author from the Midwest. I live with my family and three cats, though there will probably be eight when I get married to my fiancé.

I have been writing stories for years, since I was a child. At the age of nine is when I really started to plan on being an author. Stories always played out in my head, and it just made sense to write them all down. So, I pursued the dream, and even majored in Creative Writing in College. About five years after I graduated, I decided to really get into publishing my work. In 2012, I was discovered by Solstice Publishing, and I’ve been with them ever since.

 

What motivates you to write?

 

I can be inspired by anything really – current events, conversations, observations. Mainly, I guess I just let the muse take me wherever it wants. More often than not, characters come to me, demanding for their stories to be told. I follow them down the nutty path of writing.

 

What is the title of your most recent book? Give us a brief overview on what the book is about.

 

My latest book, which releases on November 15^th, is called Blue Vision. The novel is about a young woman who comes across a strange man in the middle of a Montana winter. But what happens next is totally unexpected…

 

Here is the blurb:

Brooke Sanders just wants to get away from her life for awhile. A remote cabin in Montana fits the bill. She doesn’t expect to encounter a mysterious stranger with unusual blue eyes, or events that cannot be explained…

Colin Fielding is on a mission – scout a planet and return home to Endhivar. Simple really. What he doesn’t anticipate is that fate has a pretty twisted sense of humor. Suddenly, this human calls to him, every part of him, like the call of a true mate, and he can’t deny the connection as he gets closer to her.

Little do they know, someone is out to do them harm, as well as the world Brooke holds so dear. Can they stop what’s coming before it’s too late? Or will the universe lose a perfect gem?

 

What makes it unique from the other books out there?

 

I think Endhivar is what makes it different. Also Colin, the Code, and, of course, the connection between the two characters.

 

What is the title of your current work-in-progress or the most recent manuscript you’ve completed apart from your most recent book? Would you mind sharing what it is about?

 The project I’m currently editing is called Directions of the Heart. It’s a contemporary romance/romantic drama collection of four stories. The best way to describe the book is that it’s comprised of eight different people on a journey of loss, growth, redemption, healing and romance.

I see that you’ve also self-published in the past. Which do you like better, publishing on your own or using a traditional publisher?

 

I like both. I enjoy the community of authors at the publishing company, knowing we’re all in the same place and we can learn from each other, learn from the publisher too. But I also tend to favor having some control over the various aspects of publishing (book cover art, release date, et cetera). Being an indie author, I get to experience both sides.

 

You consider yourself a multi-genre author. Did you always plan to go in different directions?

 

No, not really. Originally, I only planned to be a romance author. But the muse had different ideas. When I wised up, I realized I had to leave my mind completely open for stories. That’s when the best things come to you, right? The ones you don’t expect. Heck, last year, I even published a children’s fantasy novella. That definitely wasn’t planned! But I wouldn’t undo it either. It was a fun experience.

 

I had a professor once who gave me some really great advice. She told me not to limit myself to one genre, and she was right. Besides, I’m not a great conformist. I never liked boxing myself in with anything. Why should I do that with writing?

 

Your author tagline on your site is ‘exploring worlds one page at a time’. Could you expand a bit on that? What made you decide to pick that for your author brand?

 

It made an eerie kind of sense. Going along with the theme of being a multi-genre author, I took a good look at my 117+ works in progress, and I saw a trend forming. The stories were all over the place, just like I am in my likes and dislikes in life. Fiction is about building a world for the reader to become absorbed in. And my books are about different worlds.

 

Who are five of your favorite authors?

 

Five of my favorites are J.R. Ward, Chloe Neill, P.C. Cast, Kris Tualla and Nora Roberts.

 

How often do you write?

 

Well, it depends on the project, and whether I’m focused on it. If I’m editing, that can slow down progress on other story ideas. Mostly I write random scenes until I’m ready to start plotting and really get down to writing the bulk of the novel. After I’ve done all the research I can, and learned everything about the characters, I start making a timeline of the book and filling in the gaps. Of course, the characters still surprise me now and then. As for how often I write, once I’m heavily focused on a project, I try to work on the book a little every day, even if I’m only writing a paragraph, a whole scene or a chapter. Anything gets you closer to that goal.

 

What famous author would you compare your own writing style with?

 

I’m not sure I could compare my style to a specific author. But if a fan would like to venture a guess, I’m open to finding out. Personally, I feel more like I’m an unruly blend of different authors when it comes to my writing style.

 

What are you currently reading?

 

I’m reading Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward. I’ve read it before, but sometimes I find myself reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series all over again. It doesn’t help when one of your favorite authors keeps adding to an already lengthy series. At the same time, I wouldn’t want her to stop writing.

 

 Time for some quick questions:

 

• Favorite Quote? “You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” ― Oscar Wilde

• Favorite Book? Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

• Favorite Book Series? Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill

• Favorite Movie? Kate & Leopold

• Favorite TV Show? Arrow

• Coffee or Tea? Decaf French Vanilla Coffee

• If you could have one superpower what would it be? Mindreading

 

 

If you could be one character from your own writing, who would it be and why?

 

Oh, I might choose Adrienne Bellamont Hill from the Heiresses in Love Series. The final book in the series, Upon Your Love, should be out sometime in 2017. Talk about someone fearless. I’d like to step into her shoes for a day!

 

Finally, what advice would you give to other writers?

 

Oh my God, please be patient! It will save you in so many situations. Just do the best you can, and don’t try to push too hard for everything to go faster. You’ll just run into roadblocks that you’ll wish you didn’t bother with in the first place.

Author Bio and Links

 

Bestselling multi-genre author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 21 other books. March 2016 Empress of the Universe title – winner of the “Broken Heart” themed contest and the “I Love You” themed contest on Poetry Universe. SECOND CHANCE HEART and A LITTLE MAGICK placed in the TOP 10 on the 2015 P&E Readers’ Poll. Nominated in the TRR Readers’ Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. The Versatile Blogger Award for 2015. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial’s Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader’s Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 10 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 22 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Blue Vision will be book 23, where she breaks into the science fiction genre. She has also contributed to several anthologies. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series and The Blood at First Sight Series.

 

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