Author Interview With Antonio Westley

I had the good fortune connecting with this fellow writer, blogger, and creative visualist Antonio Westley here on wordpress (another great example of this site’s perks). Antonio was gracious to take time talking about his cutting-edge process.

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?
About 12 – 13 years ago.

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?
Poetry when it’s very subliminal.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Though this may not be a popular choice but based solely on the ideal of a character, I would have to say Superman.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?
Probably J.K. Rowling at the moment based on the ground work she was willing to do to make it where she is today. Not to mention the fact that she thrives on providing her readers with fascinating story arcs.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)
Well, I’m currently finishing up a novella which will be the final title of four creations I have been working on for the last 3 or 4 years. After which will be placed in proper editing for the readers pleasure upon completion. Outside of that I have just been putting muscle behind my social media status and blogs. All which can be found on my main WordPress site when googling my name. Lately, I have also been pushing my prize blog subjectsmatter.weebly.com where I constantly write about a variety of topics. While also rebooting a site called AllTheeAbove on WordPress to help give bloggers a place to promote and share their content. YouTube is the final place I have yet to tackle but something I’m willing to explore once my book titles are finally submitted to the auto mechanics of the literary world. I have channels on standby in the meanwhile that will also include music when I put my latest writing to rest and invest time in putting something together.

6. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece?
Well since I haven’t released anything yet then I cannot answer that. However, I do pride myself in my work and would never publish something unless I was completely satisfied, at peace and proud of the content I created.

7. Do you have any advice for other writers?
For those writers out there who allow something like writers block to get in the way of progress, try to learn to let go of what can’t be made in the moment and move on to the material that can be created. Assembly in order should be a tactic used for the final print. So place your thoughts on paper now and treat your story like a jigsaw puzzle when all the pieces are ready to be set in place.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉
I would say I was an A student when effort was applied but a B student without.

9. How much research do you do for your writing?
I try to do as much research as possible when it’s needed in order to provide the most accurate detail in my writing.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
I tried a typewriter once but felt I made up far more ground with a computer.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
In life: Don’t take everything to the heart. In the literal aspect: Take grammar more seriously even if it’s debatable.

12. What book do you think everyone should read?
I have always felt “Hamlet” was a piece worth exploring.

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?
I’ve dabbled but never had the time to master any instrument. However, if I could learn one instrument it would be the guitar – no contest.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published?
Hopefully, I can tackle as many platforms as possible when my work is ready to be released. But I’d hope to primarily host my titles on Amazon in order to provide readers with both a digital and hard cover copy of my books.

15. Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week?
This is bit out of my spectrum since I’m not much on sports anymore but actually Derek Jeter. Just because he’s the only guy I had ever come to envy in the world, which inadvertently comes from a place of respect.

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?
Well, growing up I always felt it would be nice to be an illustrator. But I abandoned the idea after discovering how time consuming it was for me to bring my ideas to life. Surprisingly, it would be the very decision that allowed me to transition into writing.

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin?
Bill Murray hands down and sadly though I am a bit familiar with John Cleese I don’t know enough to make a distinction between him and Michael Palin.

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)
Well, it’s no heart stopper but there was an article called “Family Matters” which I wrote on a website called Bubblews. This was during its illustrious years and was one of my very first posts on the platform. So this meant I wasn’t expecting much attention especially as a newbie in an active community where posts were constantly being uploaded in real time. I’m talking about an around the clock sort of thing that made me believe I’d get lost in the shuffle. But I was wrong and found that not only did my topic do well but garnered more attention than I expected. I chose to tackle family values in this post and the struggles people are usually faced with in life. This led to me getting over 300 likes and over 30 comments on the subject making it to this day my top post on that account. What made it rewarding was the idea that I was able to thrive in a competitive area of the internet at the time. Which we all know can be a daunting task on that side of the web.

19. What quote do you live by?
Live and let live.

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous pulitzer prize winningauthor, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.)
I would say a successful self-published author as a day job would be sufficient enough. Anything else that comes my way would be a bonus.

21. Would you like to ask me a question?
Okay, Jokingly: A rooster laid an Egg on top of the barn roof. Which way did it roll? Seriously: Do you believe rehashing format in authorship is preferred over original creativity?

To answer your first question, it rolled down the North-West corner of the barn… haha. I’d say original creativity is where it’s at for sure… but I also feel when rehashed formatting is successful (think Quentin Tarantino movies inspired by movies he’s fans of) the skies the limit.

Thanks again to Antonio Westley for giving us a glimpse in his super-creative talented mind. He’s one to watch! Please see all of his exceptional work on the links below:
http://wp.me/4hgUs
http://www.booksie.com/true_confessions/short_story/antoniowestley/a-bugs-life
http://www.booksie.com/AntonioWestley

 

Author Interview with Gene Miller and Karen Kavner

Author Interview with Gene Miller and Karen Kavner.

 

Author Interview with Gene Miller and Karen Kavner

Have I mentioned how much I love interviewing fellow creative peers here? I probably have… actually I’m guilty and I apologize for the repetitive tones of gasconade, but as Marlene Dietrich sang “I can’t help it.” It’s a rewarding opportunity for me to interview up and coming authors (or as in the case) to seasoned veterans in the writing world. Fortunately, through a recommendation from my NY writer’s group crony, she suggested I interview these two multi-talented writers—most notably writing for famous television shows! Ayo! Both have just authored a unique novel about a baseball player’s life journey. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see this one on the big screen soon.

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?
KAREN: I can vividly recall expressing my inner-most feeling thru writing at a pretty early age. Creating pages and pages of hand-written emotions and random thoughts about my life, the people in it, my observations and my desires. It never quite took the form of what was called a ‘diary’ back then, partly because I wasn’t disciplined enough to write entries on a regular basis; and partly because I didn’t want my sister, or anyone else for that matter, to find it and read it!

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?
Most definitely prose.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
GENE: I guess I’d have to say, Sydney Carton, from ‘A Tale Of Two Cities.’ A man who evolved into heroic stature through self-sacrifice and the capacity to love without reservation.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?
KAREN and GENE: Nora Ephron, who wrote with humor, intelligence, compassion, and most of all truth. And Bernard Malamud, for his portrayal of incredibly flawed and tragic characters. Those are the most interesting characters to write.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)
KAREN and GENE: Our debut novel, a psychological work of fiction title, ‘Unraveled – A Novel.’

6. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece?
KAREN and GENE: No. Though, the novel went through an interesting series of evolutions from its original premise, ultimately we were very satisfied with our final draft and knew exactly when it was time to ‘put it out there.’

7. Do you have any advice for other writers?
GENE: Write every day. Even if it’s just a few paragraphs. That is the only way to improve as a writer. Also, write from your gut. Meaning, write about something or someone you know, or have an affinity with and a passion for.
KAREN echoed Gene’s sentiments but added: But don’t isolate yourself from the incredible world around you. Fully participate in life. Remain curious and observant. And when you love – love deeply and completely.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉
GENE: From 8th grade through high school, I was in Honors English, My grades were mostly A’s, with one or two B’s along the way. In college, I got all A’s in the few English classes I enrolled in, but did not major in English in college.
KAREN: While usually doing quite well in English classes, I honestly can’t recall specific grades – but I did get an A in a post-graduate creative writing course I took at Hunter College in New York.

9. How much research do you do for your writing?
GENE and KAREN: A lot. The more the better. Particularly with regard to medical and psychological references. As for locations and settings, if we didn’t feel we had sufficient, first-hand knowledge to rely on, we would travel to the locations we wanted to reference. And made a point of meeting and speaking with locals, with the goal of keeping what we write as authentic as possible, while fully cognizant of the fact that the story we were weaving was indeed fictional.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
We primarily use the computer. But notes, and sudden bursts of inspiration, more often than not, can be found scribbled on anything from scraps of paper, the back of an electric bill, or on a restaurant napkin.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
GENE: Write from your gut. Write about something you’re passionate about. And be true to your characters. It will be the most honest. Years back when I first moved to Hollywood and wanted to write for television, I sat home and wrote a handful of spec scripts, (scripts of television shows on the air that you would hope to write for, and submit them for consideration. They are also samples used to hopefully interest a literary agent). Unfortunately I wasn’t getting the responses I had hoped for. So I enrolled in a class in creative writing given by a world renowned author who said I will never open any doors by writing other writer’s television shows. He advised me to write something original. Something I was passionate about. Something that will turn heads. I did, and I’ve been writing for television for over two decades.

12. What book do you think everyone should read?
GENE and KAREN: For aspiring authors, or for those avid readers curious about the art of writing itself, we would strongly suggest, Stephen King’s book, titled, ‘On Writing.’ And, as Karen is quick to suggest, ‘The Joy of Chocolate,’ by Judith Olney, if for no other reason than the Chocolate Mousse recipe on page five. After all, one must always keep in mind, an author’s muse can be found in many surprising and delicious places.

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?
GENE: I play the drums, and in my younger days, I played in various rock bands. It was a blast. Now I’d love to learn the piano.
KAREN: I’d love to play anything loud enough to drown out my singing. Truth be told, I’m so tone-deaf, I’ve been forced to resort to lip-syncing, ‘Happy Birthday’ at friends’ celebrations.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published?
It is currently on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com in paperback and kindle.

15. Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week?
KAREN: No one, really. I genuinely love my life, and wouldn’t want to miss a day of it by changing places with someone else.

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?
GENE: A professional baseball player. A home run hitting center fielder.
KAREN: Something in the Arts, or Astronomy. Or something that required spending a great deal of time in Paris, Venice, or on Kailua beach in Hawaii.

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin?
KAREN: Bill Murray, because his humor is more layered and he reaches deep when bringing a character to life on the big screen.
GENE: Bill Murray as well.
(No love for the Brits… lol)

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)
GENE: A television show that I was working on some years back was chosen by the Writers Guild of America as one of their 101 top television shows of all time. That really blew my mind.
KAREN: The first time I saw my on-screen ‘Written By’ credit on television.

19. What quote do you live by?
KAREN: If not now, when?

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous pulitzer prize winning author, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.)
GENE and KAREN: To have our novel, ‘Unraveled – A Novel’ become a best seller, enjoyed by millions, and made into a film.

21. Would you like to ask me a question?
Which do you prefer? Seeing a film based on a book after you’ve read the book, or reading the book after you’ve seen the film?

Good question. For me, I used to always read the book first. But ever since I penned my own novel, Feedback (and don’t have the time to read each book that debuts) I prefer reading the book after because when I wrote my book, it was snippets of film in my head… a movie reel that I reconfigured from scenes into words. It interests me to see the interpretation visually… a possible connection to my writing process I guess 😉 I can say with certitude, 9 times out of 10 the book supersedes the movie. Rita Hayworth And Shawhank Redemption is a good example of both being equally spectacular. On the other side of the spectrum, there’s exceptions where I refuse to see the film… specifically one of my favorite books, John Irving’s A Prayer For Owen Meany. The book was literally altered for screen (per my friends and written reviews). I’ve concluded, films that maintain the author’s words onto screen are what I favor.

I can’t thank Gene and Karen for sharing their impressive creative process with me and my readers. Keep up the boundless efforts! Please read their latest novel, Unraveled here:http://www.amazon.com/Unraveled-A-Novel-Gene-Miller-ebook/dp/B00XBECKKU

 

Author Interview with Ntina Rotsidi

1.When did you start putting pen to paper?
I just recently started to blog at WordPress.com (just about 3 months ago), but I love it. I always loved writing my own pieces and I was actually considering blogging long before I actually did it, but I just didn’t know when and how to start.

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?
Blog writing – articles.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
My favorite fictional hero is definitely one from my childhood, the Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl. One of the first books I read when I was in my pre-teens… an absolute classic for me!

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?
Virginia Woolf. I wouldn’t say that I identify with her much, but I do love how she changed literature with her unique attitude towards Christianity, fascism and how she gave power to women with feminism through her novels.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)
Right now, I’m just focusing on my blog and trying to build an audience through my posts and the layout of it. If anything else comes up, why not?

6. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece?
No, because I’ve just started writing and blogging and I’ve loved it so far, so nothing regretful for now.

7. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just keep writing about what you’re passionate and don’t do anything if you’re not 100% focused and determined.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉
Actually, English classes were my favourite. I always had A’s at school and in private courses.

9. How much research do you do for your writing?
It depends on the subject I’m writing about. If I’m writing something personal, I don’t use much research… I just write down my feelings but If it’s a social issue (for example) I tend to go online and search on the news and forums and try to be as educated as possible before commenting on it.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
On my laptop.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Do what makes you happy and don’t let anyone or anything put you down-what others think of you is none of your business, your success will speak for you.

12. What book do you think everyone should read?
The Little Prince… such a warmhearted reading.

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?
I used to take piano lessons but after a while I stopped for personal reasons, but I would like to learn how to play again.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published?
At present time no efforts on having a book published as of yet.

15. Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week?
Someone’s famous for sure and from another lifetime… so I would say Leonardo DaVinci.

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?
Well, I consider myself an amateur blogger for now, and it’s not a profession necessarily… I would say it’s more of a hobby. But my ideal profession besides blogging would be something in the fashion industry, like fashion journalist.

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin?
The first one, I love Bill Murray. No thoughts on the other two 😉

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)
My most rewarding writing accomplishment is definitely my blog.

19. What quote do you live by?
“Live each day as if your life had just begun.”

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous pulitzer prize winning author, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.)
Be a very well known and admired blogger.

21. Would you like to ask me a question?
Yes… are you in the process or releasing another book or writing piece?
I write/blog in my free time here… and I’m slowly but surely working on two books, a sequel to my last novel Feedback and a collection of vignettes (to be transformed into a novella from the fictional character, Debra Westlake. You can read some of them here under Friday’s Flash-Fiction – let me know your thoughts.

Thanks again to Ntina for talking with me, she’s a delightful blogger who just so happened to be featured here with her insightful piece on fashion – in case you missed it, read it here: https://ldmountain.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/featured-article-from-guest-blogger-ntina-rotsidi/
And last but not least, please follow this talented lady (if you haven’t already): https://theworldofntina.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/hello-world/

Have a lovely sun-filled weekend!
LM

 

#WriterWednesday’s Winner – Jennie M.!

Congratulations to Jennie M. for winning a $50.00 amazon gift card! Very thankful to her thoughtful five-star review:

“I am a big fan of music and the references made to certain artists and songs brought me back to my twenties when the music was great! I had many laugh out loud moments with her dialog with her interns which brought me back to my internships and how carefree I was then. I guess you could say it was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me. There were times when I was Claire!!! Absolutely loved the book and looking forward to a sequel.”

Thanks to all the reviewers so far, and best of luck on winning the next contest soon! To participate, please add a review here:

 

Lauren Lynn’s Author Interview with Lisa Montanino

Guest Authors & Other Industry Folks

I was honored to be interviewed by legendary writer, Lauren Lynn! I hope you enjoy as much as I did, being interviewed by Lauren. Happy Monday.

Author Interview of Lisa Montanino!
Welcome Lisa and thank you so very much for being here! You know me, fun stuff first! What is your favorite place to eat? Why?

I don’t even know where to begin… between my staples on West and East coasts, that’s a tough one. I’ll mention a few from my favourite cities: London – Oxo Tower for the views alone, food’s okay and The Ledbury for extraordinary food. New York/Brooklyn – Il Mulino, Morimoto, The River Café quintessential Brooklyn, and I love Noodle Pudding in Brooklyn Heights, great Italian family run eatery. In Los Angeles – Little Dom’s for chill Italian and Ruen Pair, hands down the best Thai food in LA, despite it being in a strip mall.

What does a typical day look like for you? On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?

Usually starts with a home cooked breakfast and gobs of coffee. Then migrate to bike riding (depending on weather) to the beach and chilling out with my boyfriend/family… outdoors is a must. Having friends over for dinner or meeting them out. If inclement weather, usually home entertaining… playing cards or catching a movie or friends music show. The occasional sports game for my nephews. At some point in between I’m writing and catching up on my favorite shows like House Of Cards, Luther, etc. since I rarely have time during the week working. I’m not the typical chick who likes to shop at the mall all day… can’t stomach it! Though I do love to food shop.

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

Pretty much any activity outdoors, especially cycling to the beach. Spending quality time with my loved ones laughing and cooking.

Who are your favorite authors? John Irving, Chuck Klosterman, Nick Hornby, Hunter S. Thompson, Agatha Christie… and so many others I can’t think of at the moment.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself?
Compassionate
(Extremely) congenial (pride myself on getting along with everybody)
Reliable/stable/independent (for some reason I count this as one…)
Creative
Nurturing
Energetic
Intellectual

When you walk into a bookstore, where do you head to first? Why?

Usually the psychology section… I guess because I’m fascinated with the human psyche and what makes us tick.

What are your tips and tricks for other independent authors to get the word out about their books?

Promote yourself on Twitter, Facebook, and any other social media platform out there because they usually have other marketing options that are affordable and effective. Also, join a writers group if you’re not in one already… wonderful outlet for new readers and fellow creative folks that you can spread the word to. Promoting fellow authors on your social platforms. I also gain great tips from my guest authors when they share about their approach to the writing craft.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

I love chick and male fiction literature e.g. Chuck Klosterman – Killing Yourself to Live kind of books… humour, heartbreak, and hysterics all wrapped together. And as I mentioned before, I’m drawn to psychology and self-help books… love learning about that topic.

What is the most frustrating thing you have had to deal with as a writer? Most exciting?

Editing by far takes the cake; it’s grueling and takes way too long. Most exciting would be the how the audience reviews the finished product, how my readers like and interpret my work. I don’t find anything exciting per say about writing but the freedom is glorious.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I use both actually. Usually it’s on my laptop but when I’m out and about and get an idea I write it down in my journal. Aside from writing professionally, I feel everyone should keep a journal of their thoughts; it promotes wellness among many other positive things.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you noticed any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

It’s just easier as the years go by… flows out more naturally. Nothing really has changed on my style of writing… self-deprecating narrative at your service!

For our writer friends: What advice do you have for authors looking to find and connect with a wider base of fans?

What has worked well for me are my writing groups in NY and London… as well as my social networks. Word of mouth from family and friends, and traveling… I sold a few books just by other passengers noticing me writing on my laptop and learning I’m an author. And of course, promote fellow authors and work on your online outlets… I love doing it and it’s been very helpful ten-fold.

What advice would you give to a younger you? How has reading influenced you?

Li Li, you should have started yesterday! Why did you put off writing for a while when you could have been on your third book by now. Reading has influenced me in being comfortable with what I like and don’t like. There was a time when you would hear about the “must read” from best sellers lists… interestingly some failed to deliver, especially the writer’s prose. Now because I’m immersed in the independent writer’s world, there are so many amazing books to choose from off the beaten path, like yours for example.

Aw, thanks! Flattery will get you everywhere. Now tell us; are you a plotter / planner or do you prefer to dive right in?

Usually a planner but spontaneity is also a dear friend, especially in the last few years.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

If only half the readers of my book put their reviews on Amazon.com for me! I receive thoughtful emails with their feedback but having them cut and paste that into a review is like pulling teeth… I don’t know why? The ones that have been kind enough to review me, I’m in debt to. I recently joined a review swap with other writers where we read each other’s work and review… that definitely helps and I recommend it. Lauren, do you have any advice on how to get more reviews? I could use all the help I can get.

Why yes, I have a bit of advice. I’ll share it at the end. For now, how do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

For me, life has been the greatest teacher and each day as I get older… each experience shapes me in one way or another which in turn helps me expand creatively with ideas and such.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

John F. Coffey and Patricia Coffey, a second set of parents to me, who unfortunately are no longer with us. They shaped my life so much in the 20 years I had the fortune of knowing them. John was a Columbia County judge and partner of a law firm and when I tell you he treated a doorman the same as any judge he ever dealt with, that left a very positive impression on me. I abhor arrogance and a nasty demeanor! I don’t care how smart or rich you are, there is no excuse to treat anyone less than any way you would like to be treated. People with noses in the air should realize they are not respected, they’re just pathetically pitiful. John and Pat felt the same and worked hard for their education and job status… and like my parents, their work ethic was unmatched. I pride myself following in their footsteps, especially in being a sincerely kind humanitarian like they were. They also inspired my charitable and philanthropic endeavors as well.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

Pandora is amazing… and Europe needs to have it! Some of my favorite stations are Genesis, David Bowie, Massive Attack, Pharell, The Beatles, Bebel Gilberto, Madonna, 2 Cellos, Nirvana, The Police, The Pretenders, My Morning Jacket, Duran Duran, Spoon, The Who, Fiona Apple, and countless others… though by the list I just gave, classic rock wins! I also play albums from my collections too.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

My novel is a must read for anyone who wants to laugh, think, and be moved by a compelling story about a woman who is conflicted and needs to find her way back to stable ground. Life and the people in my world were the inspiring forces.

Which is your favorite character in your book and why?

Shane Salinger, because he’s the most audaciously confident soul that lives life on his terms no matter what, completely true to his convictions. And he’s really… really funny!

What else do you have in the pipeline?

Writing my second and third novels… one is the sequel to Feedback, my current novel for sale and a fictitious memoir of little vignettes from a fun disgruntled at times character. And promoting authors like yourself on my blog. I want to take this time in thanking you again for being lovely and interviewing me. It means so much to share my thoughts with you and our amazing fans – another source of inspiration! I can’t wait to read your next one.

Thanks Lisa! You made my day!!!

Lisa’s Links
Buy my book here:http://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Lisa-Montanino/dp/0615972500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426207729&sr=8-1&keywords=lisa+montanino
Follow my blog here:https://ldmountain.wordpress.com
Follow me on twitter here:https://twitter.com/LDMontanino
Friend me on facebook here:https://www.facebook.com/lilmountain

Getting reviews:
1. Ask. AND I mean everyone. Be kind, and do say please and thank you.
2. The more you have the more you get so don’t give up. This is an oddity, but I think people are less afraid to leave a review when they see that you have some.
3. Encourage people to leave them everywhere that they are a member.
4. Become a member of Goodreads if you aren’t already. Join some groups and offer your book for their read for review programs. I did it for my first two books and I can really see the difference in the quantity of reviews.
5. Don’t take it all too seriously. Some people will like you and some won’t. It’s okay. Focus on your average and take into consideration what folks say. What did they love, what did they not love. Just remember to stay true to you. If you try to make everyone happy you will make no one happy.
6. Become a reviewer yourself. Be careful here. In the early days, I traded reviews. I ended up being bombarded and did not have time for my writing but we all have to start somewhere. Some books I read were truly amazing; others not so much. If I felt that anyone deserved less than three stars then I emailed them privately with my thoughts and declined leaving a public review. I want to be honest when I review and it pains me to hurt people’s feelings. Go with your gut on this one.
7. Use that social media. Recently I posted on both Twitter and Facebook that I offer free PDFs for anyone interested in trading for a review. That brought in a few new folks. All they had to give me was their email. I do not email them promo stuff after I send their PDF. If I get a decent review and they request the next book, they may have it.
8. Those are the things I’ve done that have worked pretty well. I do not consider myself an expert. I have published four books and I see some money roll in every month. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve seen regarding marketing is worry less about that part and write more books. The more books you have the more credible you look and the more you sell. Guess what? More books also means more reviews. NOW, GO GET ‘EM and best of LUCK!!!

 

Almost a year to the day I published my book, Feedback. Buy it now on sale at Amazon.com

If you haven’t read it yet, it’s on sale now. I have a very good feeling from the reviews alone, you’ll like what you read. Please let me know your thoughts/review it!

Happy Tuesday / xo-Lisa

 

Author Interview With Lauren Lynne

Author Interview With Lauren Lynne.

 

Author Interview With Lauren Lynne

Hello readers,
As always I’m stoked to post my author interviews here, I don’t know about you but I am having an incredible time learning about these fine writers and the process that molds their unparalleled work. My latest interview excels just that, I am very honored to feature this beautifully gifted author, Lauren Lynne. With four books to her credit and a fifth one on the way… her accomplishment is to be celebrated!

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?
I’ve been writing since elementary school. Back then I was a huge Nancy Drew fan and tried my hand at mysteries.

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.? I am horrible with poetry. There is very little I like but I can rhyme with the best of them and have a fondness for Dr. Seuss.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero? I think I most admire Harry Potter and if that makes me a big kid, I’m okay with it! I admire Harry because he has a sense of humor and tries to have fun, yet he accepts his fate and uses his mind to make the best out of bad situations.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with? I know I just talked about Harry Potter but I really think I identify most with J.K. Rowling. I don’t spend much time stalking authors but she had humble beginnings and always seems to be a nice person.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.) I am working on the final book in The Secret Watchers series and I am working on a young adult dystopian novel.

6. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece? I wouldn’t change a thing about the story line in Destiny. I’ve been working really hard at tying up all of the loose ends to get Owen to where he needs to be. The only thing that I would change about the writing process is that I would love to have more time to write.

7. Do you have any advice for other writers? Where to start? Don’t give up on yourself or your dreams; make modification if you need to but don’t give up. Practice your skill of flexibility; you’ll need it and a sense of humor. Take a journal with you wherever you go so that when an idea hits you can jot it down. Be inspired by everything and most of all when you get a negative review, and you will… remind yourself that not everyone will love everthing that you do and that’s okay. Postitive reviews will make your day, don’t let the occasional bad one ruin it. They have a right to their opionion and they don’t have to like you. It’s okay, someone else will love you, just the way you are. Finally, don’t expect to instantly see financial rewards. You, my friend, are a work in progress.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉 I am not an English major. I studied science and education. My actual grades in English were fine. I was a Salutatorian in high school. My B… well that came from a stenography class. Guess it’s a good thing I’m not somebodies secretary, huh?

9. How much research do you do for your writing? I do some but not a lot. I write fiction. I want it to be believable enough, but I feel no real need to be perfect. Nearly every location I write about I’ve actually visited. I guess when your main character has a special ability that is completely made up, as far as I know, then if a piece of the book requiring research isn’t absolutely perfect what have I lost? It’s fantasy, right?

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand? I use a variety of methods depending on my mood, where I’m at in the story, etc. I usually start at the computer with an idea. Then I percolate on it and take a few notes in a journal when I’m out and about. I go back to the computer and incorporate the notes. Sometimes I print a rough draft and work on making notes on that for a while. I am known for writing down quotes when someone says something in a way I like and I also love to bounce ideas off of my family and friends.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given? When I began this adventure, I knew next to nothing about the publishing business. I knew someone who knew an author so I met with her and let her tell me about her journey. I was directed to an amazing copyright attorney here in Portland and he let me ask all my crazy questions. He gave me options and let me choose. This was the time when I did the most research and it was all about publishing. The bottom line is, you need to pick what is right for you and your situation. You can’t just rewalk the path that someone else did.

12. What book do you think everyone should read? I believe that everyone needs to find a book that touches their heart. I do not have a book to suggest, I have many. Whatever book it takes to tap the joy of reading is the one you should go for.

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?
I don’t really play anything currently. I can sing, play the piano and violin but I’m not very good at any of those. I would much rather listen to music and maybe sing along. There is nothing I want to learn to play right now. I don’t have the kind of time it would take to get good at it. I’d rather read a book, preferably something young adult, or write.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published? After a lot of research and the conversation with the attorney I mentioned, I felt that there were certain things that I did not want to do. When I started, rejection hurt my feelings so I wasn’t sure I could stand a bunch of rejection letters and I had enough money to self publish one eBook so I went indie. I knew I wanted to hire someone to make a better cover than I could and I didn’t want to have to learn the program to convert my book. I looked at a bunch of different options and settled on BookBaby.

15. Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week? It’s strange, I don’t have any desire to be anybody else. I’m happy with my life and I know that everyone has their problems even if we don’t see it. If I could just take a week and do nothing but write, now that would be something.

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession? I’ve been an office assistant and office manager. I am a certified teacher and I still sub part time. I also do some technical editing. Right now, writing full time is the dream job. When I was in high school and into early college, I wanted to be a biomedical engineer. Things change.

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin? Bill Murray and John Cleese.

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!) A school district in Kentucky bought a box of my books so that they could use them as part of a school-wide read. That ranks right up there with the day I met my first fan that wasn’t someone I knew before I was a writer.

19. What quote do you live by? “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous Pulitzer prize winning author, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.) My idea of success is to make enough money off of my books to be comfortable so that I can write full time. I don’t want to be so famous that I can’t walk down the street but I’d like to get to where I can focus on just my writing. See, I’m flexible! 🙂

21. Would you like to ask me a question?
I am looking forward to asking you a whole bunch of questions for my author blog! Thank you so very much for having me. It is an honor to be here. I wish you and your readers the best of luck in all you do.

Yes! So excited to interview with you as well and sincerely grateful. I truly appreciate the support you have already showed me on twitter and here. I’m proud to be a part of our amazingly creative community. Please visit the lovely and talented young adult author Lauren Lynne and The Secret Watchers Series here:

http://laurenlynneauthor.com/
Website http://thesecretwatchers.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheSecretWatchersSeries
Facebook http://facebook.com/LaurenLynneAuthor
Twitter http://Twitter.com/LaurenLynneYA
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5808133.Lauren_Lynne
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/laurenlynneYA/
Add me to your circles http://plus.google.com/+LaurenLynne/about
Email laurenwrites@thesecretwatchers.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lauren-walker/4a/3/bb4
Tumblr http://authorlaurenlynne.tumblr.com/
Instagram http://instagram.com/laurenwritesya#
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtts8vMLY9fFREf8HRY6nbQ

Have a great rest of the week!
Lisa

 

Author Interview With M.C Kester

May I just say I’m so psyched about the out pour of interest from authors to be interviewed—love it! My latest one is with this talented lady who you’ll be seeing a lot of her once her book is released. Congratulations Madeline Courtney on the great work, keep going!

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?
I’ve been writing for as long as I remember. I think I first started… when my teacher told us we’d be writing a story for our parents to read at the Parent Teacher Conferences. Mine was this super complex story about a girl who could see the future and people wanted to kill her… I was in the third grade, I believe.

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?
I have an addiction for Science Fiction Romance, but lately I’ve been reading a lot of Chick Lit. Anyone have any suggestions?

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
BETH GREENE. She’s not from a book, she’s from a TV show. The Walking Dead, to be exact. She survived despite all odds, she’s a suicide attempt surviver. She fought off a rapist. She saved herself when no one else would.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?
I’m currently working on BE GOOD (an original novel), about a girl named Elizabeth Kailey hired to be a Nanny… but gets more than she bargained for. And TEACHER’S PET, a Harry Potter fan-fiction.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)
I’m currently working on BE GOOD (an original novel), about a girl named Elizabeth Kailey hired to be a Nanny… but gets more than she bargained for. And TEACHER’S PET, a Harry Potter fan-fiction.

6. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece?
I NEED AN EDITOR. GAHH!!!

7. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write. Forget the world and write.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉
I actually had a 97 percent and passed with a college level

9. How much research do you do for your writing?
NONE. The first draft is all me. I don’t do research until I finish the first draft and then I do research for two weeks between first and second drafts.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Take notes by longhand, write the actual manuscript on a computer.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“Shut up and write.” Ksenia Anske

12. What book do you think everyone should read?
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE because Mr. Darcy rules!

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?
I do NOT, but I really wish I could play the piano.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published?
Writing my novel right now and I’m really pushing myself to finish.

15. Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week?
I’d really like to be Norman Reedus’ girlfriend. I don’t know her name, but I’d LOVE to switch places with her.

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?
Honestly… an English teacher. I’d love to teach freshman English!

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin?Chevy Chase for sure!! He’s hilarious!!! And Michael Palin!

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)
My Harry Potter fan-fiction has gotten THOUSANDS of reads and votes and it hasn’t even been up a year! I’ve gained so many readers by it and a lot of them are excited to read my original work too! It’s breathtaking and exciting and I could go on and on.

19. What quote do you live by?
“You gotta be who you are… not who you were.” -Beth Greene

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous pulitzer prize winning author, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.)
Successful self-published author.

21. Would you like to ask me a question?
Do you like Chinese food?
Hell yes! 😉

Thanks to Madeline Courtney for the inspiring answers to my questions and for being a shining force in the writing community – can’t wait to read your book! For more of M.C Kester: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=862279487138219
And her wonderful blog: http://www.writedreamlive.blogspot.com/