Author Interview - Pirate the Wonky Eyed Cat

Today we have a very special guest. Future protagonist, Pirate the cat, has been gracious enough to let us interview him. 

1. Have you always had a passion for writing? - Well Jo, I am only 3 and tend to be very forgetful, so not as far as I know. It was only recently I decided to start putting paw to the old keyboard and have been purrty happy with the results.

2. Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books? – I’m a cat, I can’t read. Strange I know, given I am writing a book and I find it impossible to explain how this works. It just does. That being said I tend to watch Movies or listen to music. My favourite movie is Life Of Pi. I watched the whole thing! (But that Whale breaching the water scared me lots)

3. What are your biggest inspirations? – Bugs, Birds, Eating, Playing and Sleeping. Those would be the top four. Of course I do take some of my own life experiences and put them into my pieces. How can I not, I am just too cool.

4. Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings? – I tend to use friends and family members, even those I have yet to meet. For example, there is a cat in New Zealand called Le Chat. I have heard lots about her and have decided she is a crazy cat, who thinks she is French, but isn’t. It’s HILLARIOUS! (Or maybe it’s one of those “you have to be there” situations)

5. Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces? – Honestly, I don’t really like music. You see Mum dances with lots, I mean LOTS, when there is music playing. I tend to make a run for it when I hear music. Anyway, the sounds of bugs and birds is way better.

6. What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block? – Cats don’t get writers block. We are just so awesome it doesn’t happen. As for staying motivated, try stopping me from doing anything! I am constantly off on some crazy adventure with my friends.
7. How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?) – Once I have been published I hope to see only one change. That my story brings a little light into peoples lives. That’s all. Oh and maybe some yummy cat food with the money I get.

8. What are your biggest challenges as an author? – I have four legs, am covered in fur and my eye is wonky. Then there is my name, Pirate the Wonky Eyed Cat Boyde. I mean, how will any publisher ever take me seriously?! That and the fact that I can’t proofread my work myself because I can’t read.
9. Do you have any pets? – Bahahahahaha…that is all
10. What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing? – Playing, eating bugs, eating and sleeping. Oh and exploring strange and fantastical worlds that only cats can get to. Did I mention sleeping?
11. Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world? – If I told you that I would have to hiss at you and I’m not that kind of cat. It’s a secret, hidden world that only furry critters can find.

12. Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…- I am currently writing my life’s story. Sounds boring, but it’s really, really exciting. (You know it is because I used ‘really’ twice) It’s about how I became a cat and my journey so far. This wonderful tale features all my family and friends and is filled with little lessons along the way. It shall be epic!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pirate-The-Wonky-Eyed-Cat/153137981511172

Tracey Steinbach NEW RELEASE!

The fabulous Tracey Steinbach has a new book release! 

Blurb:

Several years after the third World War, resources are scarce. The poor are poorer and the middle class doesn't exist anymore. A man with resources travels from city to town buying teenagers from desperate parents and orphanages. The teens are educated, fed and clothed as appropriate for their end purpose, Soldier or Breeder.

A strong, young woman, Marie Rice, falls for Gunnar Lincoln. Their attraction is forbidden, Marie meant for someone else. Disturbing events on the island lead to Gunnar and Marie looking for a way to escape and save everyone else. While they bide their time, attraction turns to something stronger. Will they escape? Will they save the others?

Excerpt:

“Your team will have to be faster if you want to be any real competition, Marie,” Tyson said.

“You were one step ahead of us, Tyson. One step,” Marie replied.

“That one step could mean life or death. Haven’t you learned anything?”

“I learned a long time ago. You’re an asshole,” Marie said.

Tyson smirked. “You still want me, though.”

“Yeah. Right.” Marie rolled her eyes and turned on her heel. “You won so you clean up. Have fun with that.”

“What do you think the new ones are for?” Tyson snapped his fingers above his head and two of the newer recruits rushed over. “Clean this up.”

Marie watched the recruits jump to do Tyson’s bidding. She wanted to shake her head but refrained. Emotion, no matter what kind, was weakness. Didn’t mean she couldn’t think that Tyson was a major dick. He enjoyed the killing way too much. One day she expected to find him bathing in the blood of the fallen.

Movement to her right caught Marie’s attention. As quick as a snap, her rifle was pointed and her mind focused. “You should pay more attention.” Gunnar said, straightening to his full six foot two inch height.

“I knew you were there.” Marie said. She hadn’t but no way was she going to admit it.

“Riiight…”  Gunnar took a step towards her.

She caught herself before she could take a step back. “What are you doing? Stalking me?”

“Could be. Or maybe I was scouting the perimeter and you just happened to cross my path.” Gunnar smirked. “I’ll never tell.”

“Uh huh. You better get back to your scouting before Tyson catches you talking to me,” Marie said.

“He thinks you’re his. It’s only a matter of time,” Gunnar said. Marie watched some emotion flash through his eyes before it was gone.

“He’s delusional. But I’ll watch my back.” She frowned.

“You do that. I’ll be watching it, too, just so you know,” Gunnar said before pressing his lips into a tight line.

“Um. Thanks…” Marie didn’t know how she felt about that. On one hand, she wondered if he thought she was too weak to take care of herself. On the other, she wondered if he had his own motive for watching her. Was he more like Tyson than she thought?

“I need to move. Remember what I said, Marie.” Gunnar walked away after that reminder.

BUY LINK

Gunning for Marie on GOODREADS

Tracey Steinbach on GOODREADS

Tracey Steinbach on FACEBOOK

Elizabeth Kelly Interview/Giveaway

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Please join me in welcoming author Elizabeth Kelly to the blog this week. She's here to tell us about herself and her new book "Taking Chances". We have a giveaway running at the moment too, so be sure to enter and you might win a free ebook copy!

1: Have you always had a passion for writing?
I have always wanted to write a book, it was one of my life long goals. When I was younger I mostly wrote poetry and songs.

2: Does what you read influence what you write, and what are some of your favorite authors?

 I take inspiration from other authors, but I don’t let their stories influence me. My two favorite traditionally published authors are, Barbara Erskine and Tami Hoag. In the indie author world, I have found many new authors, whose work I enjoy reading.

3: What are some of your biggest inspirations?

My biggest inspirations would be my dreams, if that doesn’t sound too weird. I am always day-dreaming or off in another world, when I get time to be.

4: Do you have a technique for choosing your characters and/or locations?

 No I have no technique for choosing characters, in my Blackrock series, each character has a piece of my own personality and likes. As far as locations for stories, I am from Ireland so I pull town names and details from home as well as here in Southern California.

5: Do you listen to music while creating your masterpieces?

YES!!!! Music is a must lol, for Blackrock I had Mumford & Sons on repeat while I typed like a maniac. 

6: What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer's block?

I usually take a few days off, if I get writers block but most of the time, I can’t switch off when I am writing a story. I usually get my best ideas just before I fall asleep.

7: How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?) 

Honestly I didn’t have any expectations it has been an educational journey so far. I have met some friends along the way and I am enjoying all the hard work.

8: What are your biggest challenges as an author?

Time! I have a four year old daughter and a head full of ideas. It is hard to get a minute to get the words out of my head, but some day’s I can get a full 10 hours of writing done.

9: Do you have any pets?

 Yes I have a cat named Tiger who is 11 and a 2 yr old Shetland sheep dog named, Coco.

10: What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?

I like paper crafting, and I have some re-born baby dolls that I need to finish someday!!

11:  Where is the most exciting or memorable place you've been to in the world?

I have been to Hawaii and on a cruise around the Caribbean, which were both amazing. The most exciting time for me was when I moved to Portugal at age 20.

12: Tell us about your latest book or work in progress.

I am currently working on my fantasy series having just finished with book 2.5 from the Blackrock series. 

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRd9PaOzNUc  -  Book trailer

Blurb / Back cover

What do you do when the girl you love stops breathing in your arms?

When life kicks you while you are down?

You get up and fight, fight like hell!

After struggling to put their pasts behind them and take a chance on each other, Knox and Bailey begin to move forward in their relationship.

But the past always has a way of catching up with you…….

On a trip back home to Grove for spring break, that’s just what happens to Bailey. Her past catches up with her, the sender of the dead roses reveals himself while making good on his threats. Sending Knox Porter into a place he never thought to be again…sitting in a graveyard, this time with the still body of the love of his life in his arms.

Join Bailey, Knox, Max, and Paige as their lives evolve and change through out this book. Each, dealing with their own difficulties, and each finding solutions that will, either bring them closer together or tear them apart.

Social Media: 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ElizabethKellyAuthor

Twitter: @ek8010

Website: www.elizabethkellybooks.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7762760.Elizabeth_Kelly

Buy links for Taking Chances - book 2 of the series.

 Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1T4KH4  (USA)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K1T4KH4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  (UK)

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00K1T4KH4   (AU)

 iBooks

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/taking-chances/id870118435?mt=11&l=fr&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

 Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taking-chances-elizabeth-kelly/1119391731?ean=2940149262076

 Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428403

TL Smith "Kalon" Release Tour

Kalon (Take Over Series #2)

By: TL Smith

Genre: Dark Romance

Installment Series  

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22361012-kalon?ac=1  

Author Interview with Amanda Guilliams!

Please welcome Amanda Guilliams to the blog today for this week's interview!

1. Have you always had a passion for writing?

I have always had a passion for writing. As a teenager, I would write to clear my head or to pass the time. I mostly wrote short stories and poems back then. I always wanted to write a full length novel and finally found the courage to do so last year.

2. Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books?

What I read hasn’t really influenced what I have written. My characters and music influence me the most when writing. Picking my favourite authors is going to be tough because I have so many. I will name a few though. Kate Benson’s The Promise Series, Sarah Elizabeth’s The Misjudged Series, Jay Crownover’s The Marked Men Series (my favourite is Rule), Katy Evans’ The Real Series, and T.K. Leigh’s A Beautiful Mess Series are some of my favourites.
3. What are your biggest inspirations?

My children and boyfriend are who inspire me the most. They have been there since the beginning of writing my first book and they have been my biggest cheerleaders. I do everything that I do for them!

4. Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?

I don’t have a technique per say. The characters just come to me, sometimes at the most inopportune times when I can’t write anything down. Luckily I have a voice recorder that stays with me at all times and a good memory. As for the location settings, the characters usually tell me. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s their story that I’m telling so I stick with what they want.

5. Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?

I always listen to music when I am writing. It helps me stay in the zone. I usually listen to the songs from the playlist for the book so that I have inspiration for what I’m working on.

6. What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?
I set myself time frames for what I want accomplished so that I stay on track. When a particular scene is giving me a hard time I read the chapter I worked on before to get me back on track. I haven’t fully been able to avoid writer’s block though. Sometimes it just can’t be avoided.

7. How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?)

Becoming an independently published author has changed my life in positive ways. I have more confidence in myself and that confidence has allowed me to continue working to reach my goals. Publishing my first book, Beautifully Tainted, has been an adventure and was more than I thought it would ever be. I have “met” some amazing people and fans along the way.

8. What are your biggest challenges as an author?

My biggest challenge is finding the time to write. I work full-time as well as have 3 very busy children, so sometimes it’s hard to find the time to write. That’s why I always keep a notebook and my voice recorder handy. Scenes usually come to me in the car or while I’m out and about so it’s been a lifesaver to have those items handy 24/7.

9. Do you have any pets?

I have 3 pets. I have a 9 year old German Sheppard named Dixie, a 6 month old Chocolate Lab named Champ, and a 9 year old ferret named Psycho (his name really suits him). They are my other children and a big part of my family.

10. What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?

I love going to the park and the beach with my family. I also love anything adventurous, including riding rollercoaster’s and sky diving.

11. Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?

The most memorable would be our trip to Disney World last year. The whole family had a blast and it will be a trip that I’m sure that I will always cherish. The most exciting place would have to be Nashville, Tennessee. I love the area and how music has influenced it.
12. Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…

I am working on the second book in The Beautifully Series, Beautifully Together. It is the continuation of Matt and Emily’s story, which I will be releasing later this summer. Books 3-5 of the series will be standalones of characters who are mentioned in the first two books.

My first book, Beautifully Tainted was published in February 2014 and is currently available at Amazon. It is about two people who are running from their pasts who come to realize the best thing for them to do is rely on each other.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1flZtxI
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/RJrmuI
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1i6Mrcg

Page Links: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-AM-Guilliams/262892013869353?ref=hl

Interview with Aimie Jennison

This week, please join me in welcoming author Aimie Jennison to the blog! After we get to know her a little, she's going to talk about her latest work. Make sure you check it out. 

1. Have you always had a passion for writing?
Ever since I was little I have loved to people watch. When sitting in a public place full of people I enjoy making up stories for the people who pass by me.
I only started writing stories down 7 years ago and have only just plucked up the courage to share.
2. Does what you read influence what you write and what are some of your favourite authors/books?
I am a huge reader. I wouldn’t say it influences me, as such, but it definitely inspires me when I pick up that gem of a book. I love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, they are so well researched and full of history, I love my history. GJ Walker-Smith and her Wishes series is another inspiration. GJ writes a magical story, she sets a high standard.
3. What are your biggest inspirations?
My biggest inspiration would have to be my kids, I want to show them that you can do anything you put your mind to.
4. Do you have a technique in how you choose characters and/or locational settings?
To be honest the characters come to me and tell me their story, I don’t have much say in what happens to them. I might be washing the dishes and they just pop up in my head.
5. Do you listen to music while you are creating your masterpieces?
Yes. Music is a must while I am writing, it helps me zone in and block out the real world. I have three noisy boys running around my house and need my earphones in to block out the noise they can make. Also, sometimes, a certain song will bring a character or storyline to me.
6. What do you do to stay motivated and avoid writer’s block?
I have some fabulous friends who have talked me out of mental blocks. Sometimes I need to step away completely and work on another story. Reading a favourite book also can help pull my head away from what has blocked me off from my characters.
7. How has becoming a published author (independent or traditional) changed your perspective on life and is it everything you expected it to be? (If you are not published yet – what changes do you foresee?)
I am publishing in the next few days and I still have no idea what is coming. I have connected with so many lovely people in this business and made some life long friends. I think one of the biggest changes will be that finally start to find out who I really am.
8. What are your biggest challenges as an author?
Being organised. I am, what I call, a messy writer. I don’t write in order. I can write a chapter that belongs at the end of the book first, and then follow it with a chapter from the beginning of the book. I have notebooks everywhere. I piece it all together like a jigsaw puzzle.
9. Do you have any pets?
I am a bird lady. I have 2 hand reared parrots who love cuddles and kisses. Jax, an eclectus who is 3 years old this week and Opie, a Galah (red-breasted cockatoo) who is almost 2 years old. And yes, as you can see by the names, I am a huge Sons of Anarchy fan.
10. What hobbies do you have outside of reading and writing?
A walk on the beach is one of my favourite things to do, it always blows away the cobwebs. I love to swim too.
11. Where is the most exciting/memorable place you have been in the world?
When I was 9 I went on a camping trip with my Mum, Dad, Grandad and Grandma. We drove from Sunshine Coast in Queensland to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory. it was the most amazing trip. The whole area around Uluru just feels so spiritual, it’s no wonder it is sacred to the local Pitjantjatjara tribe.
12. Tell us about your latest work in progress or most recent published work…
Pride to Pack is book one in The Mount Roxby Series. It is due for release any day now. I originally wrote this book when I was pregnant with my youngest son, he must have brought out the creativity in me. 
Blurb:
Rosabel McGuiness, orphaned Werewolf, has finally decided to leave the Werelion Pride she’s been living with for the last 18 years. She’s been challenged to one duel too many. It’s time to find a pack to call home.
 
Theodore Wilson, Alpha of the Mount Roxby Pack, has never cared about finding his Mate. He swore off women when his Wife, a human who knew nothing about what he was, cheated on him. But now a new wolf has walked into town, and stirred up feelings he never imagined he would feel.
 
Mount Roxby has a plethora of supernatural beings, unbeknownst to the humans that live there. After a series of mysterious disappearances, and fatal attacks on both Werewolves and Vampires alike, Rosabel decides something needs to be done. But can she persuade the Pack Alpha and Vampire King, to put old prejudices behind them long enough to work together, and solve these attacks?
 
Or will one bite too many cause a war?

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Contact Links for Aimie Jennison:

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WIN A FREE EBOOK!

It's monthly promo time on my author Facebook page.  Five different easy ways to enter. You could win yourself an ebook and there are three prize options to choose from. Enter via the giveaway below.  The prize options will follow.

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PRIZE OPTION 1
TIMELESS NIGHT (Torie James) M/F Paranormal

In an epic battle of good versus evil, one woman finds herself the focal point of a magical feud. Sabrina thought she knew who she was until a knight of long ago returns to steal her heart. 

If you could live forever, what would you choose to live for? I chose love...

A silent guardian, Alexander has walked the corridors of time in pursuit of an end to a haunting prophecy. Sabrina has lived a life surrounded by modern magic, unaware that the greatest and deadliest of powers reside within her own soul. If it only takes the light of love to ignite the stars, what of the decadent seduction of darkness? All roads don’t lead home and some myths only grow into legend.

Click here to see this book on Amazon

PRIZE OPTION 2
KICK (John L Monk) Sci Fi

**2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter Finalist** 

Dan Jenkins returns from death for a chance to live again. The bodies of killers are his rides. 

Before he's kicked out, Dan needs to stop his hosts from hurting anyone else. It's one of the rules if he wants more rides. More rides means more movies and fishing trips, and more of those little apple pies they sell at gas stations and convenience stores, because they're just that good. 

For a dead guy, it's a pretty good gig...until someone changes the rules.
Click here to see this book on Amazon

PRIZE OPTION 3

TWISTED REVENGE (Mia Bishop) M/F Paranormal

Book One in the Ever After Series

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis hides a secret opening to a fairytale world. Hidden from Rowan since childhood, it may have been where she was born, but it’s not her home. That is, until the handsome, dangerous Luc strolls in with a tale about “the one in red” and how she’s supposed to kill Ulric, the Big Bad Wolf.

The attraction between Luc and Rowan is instant and intense. They explore each other while unlocking the powers and abilities hidden inside Rowan. It is her destiny to kill Ulric and Luc will do all he can to see that she fulfills her role.

Unfortunately, the Pied Piper is determined to keep Luc and Rowan apart. Secrets come to light that threaten to destroy their budding love. They’ll have to fight the Piper, shape-shifting wolves, and themselves to find their happily ever after.

 Click here to see this book on Amazon