Spotlight: Richard Hacker

Today’s In the Spotlight features the award winning author Richard Hacker. If any of you have missed Richard’s bio your in for a treat. He sounds like a very interesting man.

Here he talks about flying in his plane; Spinning toward the ground from 5000 feet, my stomach somewhere in the back of the plane and my inner child screaming, I pondered why a writer would intentionally put an aircraft into spiraling dive toward the extremely hard earth below.


I love adventure but Richard seems to go over the top.


Good morning Richard, how are things in Seattle?

First of all, thanks so much for this interview. I’m very pleased to have a chance to visit with you and your readers. Things in Seattle are cloudy and damp, but we’re all excited about clear skies coming by July 5th. Having lived most of my life in Austin I’ve been working hard to go with a few less days of sunshine. If anyone has some extra vitamin D, please send to the address at the end of this interview. Please.

You seem to have a real adventurous sprit Richard, tell us what drives Richard Hacker?

I firmly believe you don’t live life standing still, so while I’m not anywhere near a daredevil, I do like to get out in the world. In my writing, I love to tell stories and entertain. I’ll often look up in a coffee shop and notice folks staring at me -- the guy with the laptop laughing. Hopefully readers will find my stories, often littered with unusual characters in odd situations, entertaining and at times, humorous.

When did you first know you were destined to become an author?

Third grade. I wrote short stories to read at show and tell and I remember thinking about how I’d like to write stories when I grew up. Interestingly enough, I think many writers have a similar history of some moment in their childhood when they knew they had stories to tell.


Where do you get the ideas for your stories?


Sometimes I’ll wake up at three in the morning with a story idea rolling around in my head, so I’ll jot it down and go back to sleep. When I get up the next morning, many of those ideas are the ravings of a dreaming loon, but occasionally a plot line forms on the page and I’m off. I also draw quit a bit from life experience of a place. For example, TOXIC RELATIONSHIP is set in what used to be my hometown, a little bedroom community of Austin with the odd name of Pflugerville. The place gets its name from a Swedish family, the Pflugers, who settled northeast of Austin in the 1800‘s. Many of my characters have been lovingly constructed with bits and pieces of the people I’ve met. (I suppose I should be clear, especially for readers with a law enforcement background, I’m not talking about actual bits and pieces.) And of course, Central Texas plays a role as well.


Tell us a little about your new book Richard, I understand it’s set to release in August but has already received recognition.

TOXIC RELATIONSHIP is a thriller with a humorous twist set in the Hill Country of Texas. Nick Sibelius, moves to Pflugerville to set up a private investigation business, find some peace and maybe, himself, after a murdered partner, a cheating wife and a lost job in Houston. When a young couple disappears and a bass fisherman turns up dead, he finds himself drawn into a web of toxic relationships: MaryLou, a beautiful woman with a mysterious past, Junior, a failed farmer whose best intentions seem to always result in a dead body, and Barry, a sociopathic dentist turned illegal toxic waste and methamphetamine entrepreneur with visions of grandeur. When the felon who killed his partner in Houston joins forces with Barry, Nick must not only stop the toxic waste dumping while finding his client's missing daughter, but keep from being killed in the process. In the end, MaryLou's dark secret will either help him or kill him -- whichever comes first.


Thriller with humor sounds like my kind of book.

Thank you so much Richard. I wish you all the success. Anything else you’d like to add?


Thanks again for the interview. As you mentioned at the top, I currently live in Seattle, which is a stunningly beautiful place -- snow capped mountains, Puget Sound, forests -- crazy beautiful. Before moving here I lived in the Austin area for over thirty years and continue to go back to Austin regularly to visit family, friends and the Hill Country. There's a strange beauty to the place and I hope my other character, Central Texas, shines through in the book. TOXIC RELATIONSHIP will be released by Champagne Books in August, 2012. Pick up a copy, pop open a cold Shiner (or as close as you can get, wherever you live) and kick back. Sex, murder and toxic waste -- nowhere else but Texas!


You can find Richard at:

http://www.champagnebooks.com/

Website: http://www.richardhacker.com/

Blog: http://www.richardhacker.wordpress.com/


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RWHacker


Twitter: @Richard_Hacker

In the Spotlight Judy G Gill

Today’s In the Spotlight interview is with Judy Griffith Gill


Judy Griffith Gill is the author of over fifty published novels. She’s a novel- writing teacher, Editor/Acquisitions Editor, and proof reader. I personally am published because Judy as Acquisitions Editor with Champagne Books liked my book, After the Mist and gave me a chance. I’ve since read a couple of her books and have found them well written and extremely captivating.


Please join me in welcoming Judy. Good morning Judy sit back in your favorite chair, or your hammock and let us begin.

Tell us something about Judy Griffith Gill, we have only wondered about.

People often ask “Where do you get your ideas?” If I’m overtired, stressed out, or just plain feeling skittish, I’ve been known to reply: “I subscribe to a secret Idea Generating Service. It’s terribly expensive and very exclusive. No, I can’t put you in touch with them.” In reality, however, my ideas come from news items, snippets of overheard conversations, dreams—a lot of them come from dreams—my subconscious talking to me; and just plain lolling in that hammock and asking myself “What if…’”

When I read your book Perfect Partners (I loved it!) there was a delightful part which took place on a boat in a cove. At the end of this book you said while writing Perfect Partners you were on a boat in a cove, is this a norm for you?

Between the beginning of April and the end of September, yes. Neither my husband nor I like marinas, so we do a lot of anchoring-out where it’s calm and quiet and often secluded. I’m an unrepentant skinny-dipper but don’t like to offend others.



I love your answer so I'm keeping it, but what I meant to ask was, is it the norm for you to incorporate a place or situation you are in into the story you are writing?


Actually, no. I seldom write about a place I'm currently in or have lived in until I'm away from it and can see it from more distant perspective. Somehow, that allows me to pick out details without being overwhelmed by minutiae. For instance, though we spent a total of eight years in Germany, I didn't set a book (Golden Warrior) there until much later.


You have a long line of credentials, from author, to editor, to writing teacher, which do you find to be the most rewarding, and why?

Aw, Cathy, cruel! I love all aspects of the writing life, so it’s really hard to choose a favorite. To my mind editing and teaching are often the same thing (as many of my long-suffering authors would tell you). When I make a change or suggest one in author’s book, it’s because I’ve slipped happily into teaching mode and have to control myself so as not to write pages and pages of lecture material. I guess, on reflection, the most rewarding is to read my own finished manuscript for the ninety-ninth time, sit back with a sigh and hear that little voice inside say, “Damn, that was fun!” But helping an author through the process of getting a book into shape is nearly as rewarding in a slightly different way. When the author appears happy with our combined effort and tells me I’ve helped, that she’s learned from what I told her (or him) I hear that same little voice say the same thing. For me, that is the entire basis of this career. When it quits being fun, I’ll stop doing it. I understand you have two homes, one in BC and one in Costa Rica which place most holds your heart?

My heart, corny as this will sound, is wherever my husband of nearly fifty years is. Since he does the yard work and grocery-shopping in Costa Rica to give me time to work, and drive me to Cahuita Park to swim in the Caribbean (which is only 500 yards from our house, but the swimming’s better and safer in the park) and captains the boat when we’re in BC, that means I want to be where he is because I need him. (Um, don’t tell him, but wherever my computer is also holds a warm place in my heart.)

You sound like a very busy lady, how do you find time to also write?

I just do it. I lead a pretty sedentary life on the whole, my main activity in CR rocking my hammock with my foot against a table, and in BC, playing deckhand to the captain and paddling my kayak. This lack of outside activity gives me plenty of time to all the writing, reading and editing I choose to do. I have cut back on my private editing jobs, but still take on the odd project I feel is worthwhile. My novel writing is slowing down these past few years. I find myself doing more short articles for writing magazines and trying the odd novella here and there.


When did you first realize you were destined to be a writer? What inspired you?

I’ve been a book-nut since I learned to read at the age of four, but think I was about ten, maybe twelve, when I read a continuing story in a weekly magazine my parents subscribed to. That novel, The Golden Amazons (don’t bother Googling it to figure out how old I am--I just turned seventy) captivated me and I could hardly wait for the next installment. The author, whose name I don’t remember, showed, not told, to the point where I could see what was happening to that family, feel their anxieties, take part in their adventures, and began creating adventures for myself and the two cousins nearest my age, both boys. A teacher, Miss McAulley, wrote on my sixth-grade report card, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee,” but it wasn’t until high school I began to notice that not everyone had that “gift,” because other kids would ask me to look over their essays. I think I knew I was a writer even then, but it took a posting to Germany and a dearth of English language books for me to put that “gift” to work. I wrote a romance novel because someone dared me to, sent it away to a publisher in the UK and they bought it. I was twenty-nine and too naïve to know it wasn’t supposed to be that easy. Apart from an eight-year hiatus after we left military life and returned to BC, while I worked as a book-seller and landscaped our wilderness property, I’ve never looked back.


What brought you to Champagne Books as Editor/Acquisitions Editor?

Initially, an ad for an editor I saw on the EPIC loop. I’d just finished judging in EPIC’s contest and, appalled by the quality of work I’d seen, figured maybe editorial services would help improve e-books. Ms. Smith hired me. About a year later, after I annoyed her enough by complaining about the stuff assigned to me for editing, she asked if I’d be interested in acquiring for Champagne. I was. I made lots of mistakes, accepted things considered unacceptable by other editors, and learned to strengthen my “mean-gene”. Problem was I wanted to take on works other editors felt required too much editing, because I thought—and still think—that’s what editors do: they edit. I had to learn I wasn’t supposed to be a teacher and a writing coach to the degree I wanted to be, nor should I expect that of other editors. It’s been a tough lesson. It still hurts me to have to tell someone “no”, except for those who obviously haven’t done their homework about what we publish, who present badly spelled, poorly constructed queries, and show a total ignorance of our submission guidelines which are clear and concise. If you want to submit to me at the CBG, please pay careful attention to the guidelines and follow them religiously. It’s my nature to want to love you all, but there are submissions that have ended up in my “bad/funny submissions file” which will someday be the basis of an article I plan to publish widely. Believe me, though names will be changed to protect the guilty, you don’t want yours be in that group.


You have written over fifty books, a huge accomplishment, which book would you personally call your favorite?

Ah, no hesitation on that one: BAD BILLY CULVER. Carolyn Nichols, then publisher of Bantam Loveswept books, wanted me to do a longer story, and I’d wanted to do a “bad-boy” book, so it all came together.

What inspired you to write that book?

After my discussion with Ms. Nichols, and my then editor, the incomparable Elizabeth Barrett, who taught me a great deal in the near-decade we worked together, Billy perched himself on the deer-fence around my vegetable garden one morning and told me his story. I went into the house and started writing it. I still love that guy—like my husband, a “somewhat reformed juvenile delinquent.”

Billy Culver, church-mouse poor, handsome as the devil & twice as bad, driven away for something he didn't do, returns, just as handsome, now rich & powerful & out for revenge--against the town, against the girl he loved--then he sees her again. Arlene Lambert still loves him but the dark secrets she must maintain, for Billy's sake, keep them apart. Or would, if she could just say no.


Anything else you’d like to add?


If you go to Smashwords or Kindle to look for the few works I have up there, make it soon, because I’ll be taking them down in a month or two. I’ve recently signed with Open Road Media, a company interested in aggressively marketing e-book editions of a number of authors. I think it’ll be an interesting venture, and I’ll be working with Nita Taublib, whom I first met when she was assistant to Carolyn Nichols, the publisher at Bantam Loveswept. Ms. Taublib then went on to become Executive Publisher for Bantam, Doubleday, Dell. I’m thrilled to be working with her again because I trust her judgment and because it was largely due to her I became the first, and for a long time only, Canadian published by Bantam Loveswept. It nearly killed me to break with them, but editorial/author differences forced that. Then, a year or so later, BDD inexplicably folded the line and I was glad I’d established myself elsewhere. Note to authors: If possible, don’t limit yourself—break out into subgenres if you can to give yourself more options.

Cathy, thank you for this opportunity to talk to readers and potential editing clients. I should have warned you—I tend to be long-winded. But when you ask a writer to discuss writing, you run the risk of being unable to turn off her tap. And by the way, I’m pretty sure After the Mist would have been published no matter who was doing the acquiring. It’s a wonderfully well-crafted, spooky, scary book and I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you Judy, it was such fun to have a small glimpse into your life.
Find out more about Judy:
http://www.judyggbooks.com/
http://www.theprosepolisher.com/

In the Spotlight with Linda R

Today’s In the Spotlight features the award winning author Linda Rettstatt. Linda writes women’s fiction and mainstream romance novels, though she is currently working on a paranormal romance involving a writer, a ghost, and a murderous sea captain. That sounds fun. Her work is published with Champagne Books, Class Act Books, Wings ePress and is coming soon to Turquoise Morning Press.

She is a Pennsylvania Yankee currently residing in Northwest Mississippi, not far from Memphis, where she has yet to report an Elvis sighting, but I hear she continues to be hopeful. Her books have been in the finals four times for EPIC e-Book Awards, and this year her book, Love, Sam won the 2012 EPIC eBook Award in Mainstream Fiction. She was named 2010 Author of the Year by Champagne Books.



Good morning Linda, how are things in Mississippi?

Hot and getting hotter. We're headed into the 90's by the end of this week. Gotta love the south. I do, especially int he winter when I don't have to dig my way out of a foot of snow to get to work.



You have quite a list of accomplishments Linda, with quite a few books under your belt, so we’ll start here with a two-fold question. How many books do you have published and which is your favorite?

I have twelve books currently published with three different e-pubs, and four more are under contract for next year. Oh, it's tough to choose one because each story and its characters are unique. But...(whispers--don't tell the others) if I have to pick one, I'd say Shooting Into the Sun. Probably because the main character is a nature photographer and I love experimenting with photography. And I had so much fun writing the interactions between Rylee and her younger sister, Lexie. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the story contains a hunky and somewhat mysterious doctor named Josh.


Of all the accomplishments you have met as an author which one gave you the most thrill?

 Two stand out--being named Author of the Year at Champagne Books and then, this year, winning the EPIC eBook Award. I feared I was on my way to becoming the Susan Lucci of the EPIC Awards after four finals. :)



Please tell us something about you, who is Linda Rettstatt, beyond being an author? Your likes, dislikes, hates maybe.


I'm much more of a small-town girl than a city girl, but I need to live withing a short driving distance of a bookstore and a Starbucks. Not that I go to either one very often, but I have to know I can. I love to travel. I was supposed to go to Greece earlier this month, but the trip had to be postponed. So I went to Alabama. I know, not quite the same thing, but I met some really nice people and my friend and I had a great time. As I mentioned earlier, I'm an amateur nature photographer. I hate rules (again a theme in Shooting Into the Sun) and defy them every chance I get. And that's when I usually get the best and most unusual photograph. Here in Mississippi I live not far from a whole row of casinos and enjoy playing penny slot machines now and then. I share my apartment with my cat, Binky (who was originallynames Minnie by her former owner, then Olivia by me--but she refused to respond to that--so now it's Binky. I've since learned names don't matter with cats. They respond when they want to.)


What brought you to become an author?


Since high school, I've had a dream of writing. I actually started saving money so I could move from Pennsylvania to Connecticut and become a tortured writer living meagerly in some attic apartment while I churned out the Great American Novel. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your perspective), I walked into a music store one day and walked back out with a new guitar paid for with my savings. For the next several years, my creative passions were fed by music, both composing/writing and performing. But the question--could I write a novel?--always plagued me. I finally took a step forward and explored that questions eight years ago. I put my fingers to the keys and, with a title and a character but no fully thought-out plot in mind, began to write. It was like shaking a bottle of champagne and releasing the cork. The words flowed and the plot came together and I fell in love with the characters as they developed and... Well, I ended up with a novel. The rest, as they say, is history. Writing if like breathing and I have discovered my true passion. It seemed natural to me to write women's fiction. I loved reading authors like Elizabeth Berg and, having worked as a psychotherapist, I had worked with women who were stuck in their lives, facing conflicts and circumstances that blocked them from being truly happy and truly themselves. It was a good fit. But, discovering I am also a romantic at heart, it was easy to slip over into writing romance.


Please tell us something about your books and why we should buy them.


When I sit down to write, I have only one agenda--tell a compelling story with which the reader can identify and about characters that are engaging. My women's fiction novels are stories about strong women who find themselves in situations that could break them or make them. They have to dig deep to find the courage and resources to not only survive but thrive. My contemporary romance is always a feel good story with a hero and heroine you can root for and range from sweet to a little spicy. Some have a measure of heat in them when passions ignite. Overall, I like to think my stories are true to life, real, but with enough fiction to take us away from the mundane. Whether it's women's fiction or romance, my stories are about relationships.

I think my readers have said it best. One woman wrote to me to say that my books give her a sense of hope. Another said she felt that in one book I was telling her story and she didn't feel so alone. Another reader said she saw much of herself and her family in one of my books and just had to laugh. So, why should someone read my books? Because you just might find I've told your story. You may find a bit of yourself in my characters. And you just might laugh.

Love, Sam (2012 EPIC eBook Award Winner - Mainstream Fiction)

Trish Garrity has learned to be a survivor. She has survived the loss of her father and the rejection of her mother. And then she found Sam, who loved her unconditionally. Now she faces losing Sam and living an uncertain future alone. But Sam finds a way to bridge the chasm of death and continue to give Trish the encouragement, love and support she needs to go on with life.


Love, Sam is a story of the universal experience of love, loss, grief, and healing.

Wake-Up Call (contemporary romance)
Social worker, Candace Hudson wants a baby; Texas cattle rancher, Griff Calhoun needs a consultant for a special project. But neither one suspects that their collaboration will give them both the wake-up call they need.


I see you’re switching in a little different direction with your paranormal romance, when can we look forward to that one?

This one is currently my back-up book. Let me explain that. I never write just one book. I'm always working on two or three at the same time. The upside is, I never have writer's block. I have one main book I'm working toward completing. But I have one or two stories I'm developing and switch off to those when I need a break to reorganize the main story. It will probably be a year or two before the paranormal romance is ready (unless I get a burst of inspiration on it and just run with it. It's happened. I wrote one novel in seventeen days and a novella in eleven days. :)


Thank you so much Linda, I find you always willing to help out other authors, like me for instance. I wish you all the success . . . you deserve it. Anything else you’d like to add?



Thank you for having me here today. As for helping other authors, I think that's something we all can do. People helped me at first and still do at times. If I can offer a hand to someone else in this business, I'm happy to do so. I hope folks will stop by my website at www.lindarettstatt.com and my blog at www.onewomanswrite.blogspot.com I can also be found on Twitter @linda_rettstatt And please stop by and 'like' my Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Rettstatt-Writing-for-Women/142119167526


Buy Link: (for both books) These books and others are available at Champagne Books at:

http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/manufacturer&manufacturer_id=86

They are also available at Amazon.com for Kindle.

In the Spotlight with Rosemary G

Today’s In the Spotlight features Rosemary Gemmell. Rosemary also known as Romy comes all the way from a village on the west coast of Scotland, twenty minutes from beautiful Loch Lomond and thirty minutes from the centre of Glasgow. She tells us her surroundings often inspire her writing; both the countryside around her house, and the River Clyde which meanders alongside the M8.

Good morning Rosemary, or by our time difference would be good evening to you. What’s the weather like there in Scotland?

First, thank you so much for having me on your lovely site, Cathy.

The weather? Well it depends what time of day you’re asking! Seriously, we should be having our summer (such as we get) but so far we’ve only had a few hot days in April. We’re all hoping that wasn’t this year’s summer, which is quite likely to happen. Mostly, it’s a little bit of sunshine, some rain, and even a little wind. Blink and you miss the sun here! We also frequently get all four seasons in one week. But I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else as I like the variety, and even the cold in small doses.

I’ve seen you sign off as both Rosemary and Romy, which do you prefer? What do your friends call you?


Just to make it more complicated, I’m also known as Ros! I’m usually called Rosemary by family and friends, although a few are starting to call me by either of the two other names, and I really don’t mind any version. It came about because all my short stories and articles were published under my full name over the years. When my first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, was accepted by Champagne Books, I decided to be Romy for any kind of romantic novel. But I also write children’s and tween fiction so decided I needed another persona for that, hence the name Ros! It’s handy having a long first name to play around with. It helps to differentiate my writing, and I wanted to keep the same surname.


Please tell us something about you, who is Rosemary-Romy-Ros Gemmell?


Hm, who indeed?! I’ve been happily married for 37 years, my son and daughter are now grown-up adults, and I’m about to become a first-time grandmother (exciting)! I’ve had a variety of jobs over the years: student nurse, business travel consultant, education/business liaison officer in a school, and other part-time work. Most recently, I was an adult literacy tutor.


I didn’t do university level study until my own children were in secondary school, then I gained a BA honours in European literature and history, then a Masters Degree in Humanities (literature and British Cinema History). That was a real life-changing time in my life, as I love to learn new things and expand my mind. I also love to dance and have tried salsa, belly dancing and tap. Now I do Tae Bo at home to keep fit (at least that’s the intention) and my husband and I go for walks whenever we can. I love sharing writing news and markets with my local writing group and on my main blog, and love to see new writers get published. Oh, and I’m generally optimistic and enthusiastic (to my husband’s annoyance at times)!

(Update: Since this interview Rosemary became grandma to a healthy 8lbs 4oz baby girl, Congrats Grandma.)


You write both adult stories and children, usually authors specialize in one or the other, where does your heart most call you?


A very good question! I can honestly say that I like a variety of genres and types of writing. I’ve called myself a butterfly writer in the past, and that’s partly because I like to flit between different writing projects, spending a little time with each. Sometimes, it’s the character who determines whether it will be for adults or children. Maybe I’ve never lost my inner child, as some days I just want to immerse myself in children’s writing, while on another it might be adult fiction, a short story, or non-fiction that calls to me. And I have escapist tastes, in writing, reading, TV and film!


How many books do you have published to date?


Just the two so far, although I’m working on more for adults and children. And I’ve had children’s stories and adult fiction in several anthologies.


Which of your books would you consider your favorite?


Difficult! Because they are so different, I have to say I like both equally well. Dangerous Deceit will always have a special place in my heart because it was my first published novel – and the first I completed. But Summer of the Eagles has more of me in it, and some themes close to my heart within the story.


Please tell us something about these books and why we should buy them.

Dangerous Deceit is set in 1813 England, during the Regency period. As well as a developing romance between young Lydia and Lord Sheldon, it’s also full of intrigue, spies and villains, and Lydia even dresses as a boy and finds herself in danger in one scene. Here’s the blurb:

Lydia Hetherington is uninterested in society balls or marriage, until her brother's friend, Lord Marcus Sheldon, rides into her life to unseat her from her horse and unsettle her heart. An undercover spy for the government, Sheldon is equally unsettled by Lydia.

Complicated by a French spy, her best friend's unrequited love for Lydia's brother, James, and a traitorous villain, Lydia gradually finds her emotions stirred by Lord Sheldon. But what is his relationship with the beautiful Lady Smythe and his part in an old scandal? Lydia faces danger before all deception is uncovered and love claims its reward.

Summer of the Eagles is aimed at young people in the 10 to 14 age group, but it also seems to be appealing to many older women! The story is set on a Scottish island and includes themes of bereavement and loss, bird protection, friendship, and a slight allegorical fantasy. Here’s the blurb:


Thirteen year old Stephanie (Stevie) loses her parents in a terrible accident, leaving her lame. Stevie’s dreams of running for Scotland are over. No longer able to cope with Stevie’s moods, Gran sends her to an aunt on a Scottish island.


Although Stevie gradually makes new friends and discovers an interest in the bird sanctuary, she soon falls into danger from two bird poachers intent on harming the eagles.


Karig, a strange boy in the hills, helps Stevie to heal. Does he have anything to do with the eagles or the painted rocks and legends of the island?’


I’ve been told both books are a good read!

 Now a question I always want to know, when did you first realize you were destined to be a writer?

 Another good question! I’ve always been a prolific reader, right from an early age, and loved to escape inside the pages of books. I didn’t start writing until high school – mostly romantic type poetry, which I also loved to read. While studying for my degrees, I rediscovered a love of writing essays and non-fiction.

Then, when we moved to our present village, I found a writing group in a nearby town. Gathering the courage to go along, I’ve never looked back. I won the woman’s short story competition at my very first Scottish Association of Writers annual conference, judged by the editor of a well known national magazine. When he then bought the story, I reckoned I’d finally found my destiny! Of course, it took many a year after that until I began to sell a lot more work. But I never had a moment’s doubt that writing was now my life.


Thank you so much Rosemary for your delightful interview, anything else you’d like to add?


Just to thank you so much again for letting me witter on (do you use that expression?)! And I’d love to encourage anyone just starting out to please send your writing out to editors and publishers. Professional writers are those who never gave up!

Dangerous Deceit is available from http://champagnebooks.com/, http://www.amazon.com/  and http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Summer of the Eagles is available from http://museituppublishing.com/, http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.amazon.co.uk/

Links

Website: http://www.rosemarygemmell.com/
Blogs: Reading and Writing – http://ros-readingandwriting.blogspot.com/ (main blog)
Romancing History – http://romygemmell.blogspot.com/ (historical)
Flights of Imagination - http://rosgemmell.blogspot.com/ (children’s writing)
Twitter: @rosemarygemmell



Next weeks In the Spotlight will feature Author Linda Rettstatt

In the Spotlight with Jude J

Today’s In the Spotlight interview is with a great lady. Someone I would consider a friend, Jude Johnson.


Jude Johnson has been a history enthusiast since childhood and has lectured about her historical research at the Sierra Vista Historical Society, the Welsh League of Arizona, and the West Coast Eisteddfod in Los Angeles.


She is the author of the Dragon & Hawk series of historical novels set in the Arizona Territory that follow three fictional brothers from Wales from the copper mines of Bisbee to the gambling halls of Tombstone and the growing community of Tucson. Four years of historical research preceded the completion of the first novel. Dragon & Hawk, Out of Forgotten Ashes and soon to be released Dragon’s Legacy are published by Champagne Books.

Please join me in welcoming Jude. Good morning Jude grab a handful of whatever suits your fancy and let us begin.

Wow, thank you for such nice words, Cathy. I’m honored to be your friend. Let’s see, yep, there’s my big mug of coffee. Ready!

Okay than tell us a little something about you, what makes Jude Johnson tic? Your likes, pet peeves and such.

Chocolate and red wine are my Prozac. Chianti, zinfandel, or malbec--as long as it’s red; the chocolate should be Belgian or British Cadbury, preferably dark. My nickname as a kid was “Cutty-Pasty” since I loved making crafts out of anything and glue. I still enjoy making things, though at the moment I’m using a shovel, pick, and paving stones…

Pet Peeves? Oooh, drivers who camp in the passing lane going ten mph below the speed limit. Also self-centered and inconsiderate shallow people disturb my calm and make me think I need to research murder methods--to write mysteries, mind you.

Okay, Jude, breath . . . calm. Now tell us something we’ve never heard before. What’s hidden beneath the surface?

Ever see the TV series “V” or those Hulu commercials?

Naw, just kidding… Hidden somewhere in there is a little kid who wants to see the world, go to places she’s only read about, and do as much as possible before it all goes dark.

I find you to be a very involved lady, can you tell us about some of the other projects that require your attention?

I’m a Gemini, sign of the Twins, but my twin personalities have multiple facets. My day job is that of a chiropractic physician, and I’ve been in full-time solo practice for thirty years here in Tucson. I was told this year I’m “semi-retired” but I think that was a faerie story because I seem to be seeing more patients than ever. I’m a mom to a great son who’s majoring in journalism and history with an eye on law school, wife to a crazy sports nut, and indentured servant to two deranged cats. Two Works in Progress are bubbling in the brainpan in the late evenings when everyone’s gone to bed. And I’m taking my stress out on the backyard with the aforementioned pick and shovel.

Tell us something about your books Dragon & Hawk, Out of Forgotten Ashes and the third in the trilogy Dragon’s Legacy that would bring us to buy them. (I already have the first two for the record, it was the cover of Out of Forgotten Ashes that caught my attention.)

 

Thank you for your purchase! Dragon & Hawk was my first novel and truly a labor of love. It’s a family saga of the Jones brothers, immigrants from Wales to the hostile desert of the Southern Arizona Territory of the 1880s. It’s a tale full of action, adventure, heartache, and redemption that’s based on four years of historical research. Much of the action in the book actually happened, and the fictional Jones brothers interact with real people of the period and area. I wrote it on a dare for friends who had never been to Southern Arizona as well as for my local friends who knew nothing of Wales or the many Welsh immigrants who came here in the 1880s.

Book Two, Out of Forgotten Ashes continues a couple of years after Dragon & Hawk ends, and explores how a relationship can suffer when a husband and wife don’t communicate honestly. Back in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, certain subjects were never openly discussed, even between spouses, and such taboos often made lives miserable. Add tragedy and some unresolved problems of the past coming back to bite one of the characters, and not only is the marriage threatened, their lives are as well.

Book Three, Dragon’s Legacy, is the last of the trilogy (so far) and is scheduled to be released in July. Suffice it to say the sins of the fathers are visited upon the next generation.





You also have a nonfiction book Cactus Cymry can you tell us what lead you to write this book?

This is a compilation of the research I did on the real Welsh immigrants and their impact on not only the Arizona Territory but throughout the U.S. (Cymry, pronounced COME-ree, means “Welshmen.”) For instance, one family was instrumental in developing a smelter that could be built in very remote areas which opened the West to mining and development. The sons went on to help form one of the most productive mining corporations in North America that ultimately supplied almost a third of the U.S. copper ore in the twentieth century. I also recount the story of one of Tucson’s major developers--who married an eleven-year-old girl and looked like Lucky the Leprechaun on meth. Yes, there are historical photos included.

Though you have claimed no Welsh heritage in your lineage you seem to have a passion for the Welsh people, what inspired this passion?


That’s the million dollar question. To be honest, I have to say it started with watching Hornblower on A&E. I heard an interview with the young Welsh lead in his native tongue and decided the language would be something unique to learn. When a free class started up in Tucson, I figured it was destiny. But somehow I became seriously hooked studying the culture, the ancient legends such as those of Rhiannon and Arthur in The Mabinogion, and the determination of the people to maintain their separate identity and language through 800 years of English occupation. Now I have wonderful friendships forged on both sides of The Pond who keep my interest going. And rugby, too. Love those little shorts and big thighs and wide shoulders and--uh, what were we talking about?

When did you first realize you were destined to be a writer?

I think deep down I always knew I would write. Maybe not publish, but at least write. But it was that dare from my friends to come up with a “Welsh-tern”--a Welsh Western--that made me dare to submit a manuscript. That and turning forty. I figured if I truly meant to write a novel, it was now or never. I could get hit by a bus, you know.

What brought you to Champagne Books?

I met J. Ellen Smith at a writing conference here in Tucson. My friend, Carol Costa, was already published with Champagne, so I gave Ellen a CD of my manuscripts. I was gobsmacked, as they say, when she sent me a contract.

Can you tell us in your own words why we should read your books?

Other than I need the money to fund my goal of watching rugby in Cardiff? Well, how about because I tried to write stories that would not only grab your imagination and take you back in time but tug at your emotions as well? And the real history woven into these tales will entertain and surprise you.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for this lovely interview, Cathy. We need to break bread somewhere and some time soon!


You can visit my website: http://jude-johnson.com/

and of course my books are available from Champagne Books:

http://www.blogger.com/goog_703127386

[As well as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, et al.]

Blogs: http://wordsthatremain.blogspot.com/

http://thewritersvineyard.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudeJohnsonAZ

Twitter: @JudeJohnsonAZ

Thank you Jude, it was a pleasure, most defiantly on the breaking bread.

In the Spotlight with Angelica and Zi

In today’s In the Spotlight Interview we feature the Award Winning writing team Angelica Hart and ZI.

Their combined accomplishments include book publications in print and/or electronic versions of thirty-seven titles, twelve romance specific, EPPIE finalist for three books, Cecil Whig award, Hob-Nob Reader's Choice Award, Champagne Books Novel of the Year, Champagne Books Author of the Year. Plus, they have written over 500 shorts with numerous published in both nationwide and small press magazines, articles published in various local, city and statewide newspapers, including four as a Guest Columnist in addition to trade articles. Both are members of various writing groups.



I have had the pleasure of being mentored by these two wonderful people. If not for them I’d still be lost in the Mist somewhere.


Please join me in welcoming Angelica and Zi. Good morning you two, so glad you agreed to join us.

Thank you for your kind and generous words, but being fair, you are a unique talent in your own right and would have never been lost for very long. As for the mist, let's think After the Mist, we suggest everyone read it.


Thank you for that, that was sweet. Now let’s get on to you. First off I'd like to hear something personal about each of you. You know, your deepest darkest secrets.


Z: Like the fact that I'm positioning a corn pad on my right pinkie toe? That sort of secret?


A: First of all, ick! Secondly, he's not doing that. Thirdly, I believe she means something personal like in college when you led your fraternity in panty raids.


Z: Who told you that?


A: Just guessed...I was right, wasn't I? hehehehehehe


Z: No comment. Change of subject. A very private fact is that I was almost eleven before I could read, and I believe that event provided an epiphany that helped me fall in love with literature and books. I suspect I have written some fiction at least ninety-percent of the days since I have been twenty. So, given that, I have piles and piles and piles and PILES of creative goodies.


A: I used to be (takes a deep breath and exhales slowly) a pantser...you know one of those writers who adores writing by the seat of their pants. Never doing an outline, only having a thought and then flying with it. Yes, I admit it. I am Angelica and I am a compulsive pantser (Z: Hi Angelica) I work the 12 step program everyday with Zi's help to keep me on track. It isn't easy, but (sigh) I know it is the only way to truly get a cohesive novel. There, now you all know. (Hangs head and gets teary-eyed)


When did you first know you were destined to be writers?


A: The moment someone read me my first storybook, and I decided no way am I going to let someone rescue me. I want the sword and horse and the adventure. So, out came the crayons and paper and I wrote my own story, whereas I became the shero. Albeit, no one could read the scribbles but me.


Z: I love your choice of the term destined. Because authoring is so personal, your term is so apt. There was no one moment of demarcation that could define my revelation, but a deep-seated passion that was constantly omnipresent. If I were to give an example, it would be the three boxes of rejection letters dating back to the eighties that all gave me encouragement to go on, yes, they said no, but they read my writing! And I never stopped, and it was their no-s that motivated me to work harder and harder.


How did the two of you become a writing team?

T'was a gloomy Thursday when a sudden crack of lightning startled me, followed by a maneuver of my black Volvo swerving to avoid an ominous rain puddle. The effort went for naught, and water was forced up the underside of the engine, mist and steam rose and the need to pull the car over was eminent. By some act of divine intervention, I found myself in the parking lot of Borders Books. A big yippee-ki-yay for any book fan. I trudged and dodged through blankets of water -- a veritable downpour with hellacious lightning and stomach's butterflies scared by thunder crackling about me as if the world were about to split apart and I would fall into an abyss. Managing to enter, I paper-toweled myself dry in the men's room then returned to the sales floor. I noticed a woman manning an area of the cafe, perched on a high stool, touting her art work. She was Angelica Hart. The ensuing conversation went something like this: Hey...hey...nice art...thanks...are you interested in illustrations...yes...give me your card...here...thanks, I'll call you...Do. There it was. Left the store to a world that was bright and sunny, filled with possibilities. And eight years later, it's still sunny.


How do you work together as a team? Do you meet somewhere? Both throw out ideas at the same time? How do you find unity?


Z: Your questions have defined the awesome challenge partnering and creativity presents. How do we work together -- sometimes chaotically, other times as if we were Siamese writing buddies joined at the skull, and then there are times when we flat out argue with bared teeth. But the one key is that we agreed early on that we would agree to agree, thus the work willed out not us. In there lies possibly the genius that has allowed us any success.


A: Yes, we meet somewhere over the rainbow... which is Zi's home office. It is a delightfully warm place with three computers, a laptop, files, books galore, four dogs, places on the wall for my family's pictures, a chair I picked out, he bought, along with Brian, our gofer, Rachel, our intern from the University of Delaware and a working teapot, end of story. Now, for me personally, the very best part of the office is the candy bowl...oh, and our synergy, too...well, really the candy bowl!


I personally have read some of your stories and have very much enjoyed them. The one that stand out to me is Chasing Yesterday. Can you tell us where the idea for this story came from?
 Z: The male character was remotely modeled after a best friend from college days, who was a gentle hero then and now. The book was dedicated to him. The female character, Elizabeth, was the amalgamation of our daughters' passion for life and love. The story came from an idea we tossed around about the din and milieu of the beach at 5 AM, which for those who have been there is mist and vapor wrapped in a world that you can easily escape into, thus being lost in beautiful confusion. We felt that love is often that beautiful confusion. The original working title was Chasing Gravitas which was about wanting that perfect partner to complete love. We believe the chase is important and that special someone is everlasting.


Resently you have rather stirred up the pot and gone in a rather steamy direction. I must admit I’m reading one of those steamy books now, and I’m enjoying it more than I’m willing to admit. But what I’d like to know is how did you make such a change in course?


Ooooh dirty girl! Whereas, we absolutely enjoy the literary construct of a beautifully told love story like Chasing Yesterday or the fantasy of a romance such as Snake Dance or the thriller chase of Killer Dolls, we felt that the large contemporary audience has experienced a maturation from traditional bodice rippers, seeking the more direct randy. Yes, we adore innuendo but sometimes sex is just in your face.


A: Did you actually write that?!


Z: What????


If you could pick just one, what has been your favorite book to write, and why?


A: Like you, my favorite was Chasing Yesterday. I appreciate that it had a mysterious feel to it, but it was also pure romance and the characters just seeped into my soul or maybe partly out of it.


Z: Steel Embrace was a fast moving, boldly erotic endeavor and was fun to construct. But Book Nookie ,which is about to be released, was so divine in that it included fantasy, adventure, humor, contemporary locales as well as imaginary ones. It was all wrapped in bold eroticism though it was ultimately a nice romance. Both books were written by our alter egos Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane.


A: Why are you bouncing your eyebrows?


Z: Cause I'm well-embrowed!


A: Shame-shame-shame and tsk-tsk as well.


Can you tell us some of the advantages of signing with a digital/small press publisher over a New York publisher?


A: You! The Cathys we met. The intimacy of relationships with other authors is profoundly wonderful. E-book technology is right at the crest of the wave and we are so tickled to be there, surfing toward the future, hangin' ten. Cowabunga dude! Mostly, its folks like you that interact daily, giving advice, guidance, support and, yes, the atta boys, atta girls.


What do you find is the most rewarding part of being fiction Novelist’s?


Z: The adulation of all the groupies that fill our email box on a regular basis.


A: We have no groupies!


Z: Shhhh! Let 'em think we do.


A: People that find value in the pure creation of intellectual properties are unique in that passion is ceaseless. There would be infinite stories to tell, and we find that so alluring. (The corgies just returned from their long walk...thank you, Brian. I just love our office! Wanna write a corgi story?)


Please tell us in your own words– why we should read your books?


A: Our books bring you adventure, romance, titillation and we'll give you cookies... chocolate... We are not above bribery!


Z: Of course, I agree with Angelica that our literary products are brief sojourns into romantic imagination, but disagree with the bribery -- she is in charge of all bribes, forward all emails to her attention.


Anything else you’d like to say?


A: Go Eagles! Oh, and is it lunch, yet?


Z: Go Flyers! And to everyone, I want you...I want you...to read!

 I don’t know about all of you, but, I’m wiping away tears from laughter! Thank you both for the laughs. Be sure and check out their books, especially my favorite Chasing Yesterday.


Be sure to join next week when In the Spotlight will feature J.A. Garland .

In the Spotlight with J Ellen S

Today’s In the Spotlight Interview is with J. Ellen Smith, Publisher/Owner of Champagne Book Group, an independent small press located in Calgary, AB Canada. CBG books are available in electronic and trade paperback forms. Established in December 2004, CBG threw open their cyber doors in April 2005 with four titles. Since that time, and with the belief that ebooks are the future, they have continued to grow and now boast authors in all corners of the globe. I’m proud to say that includes me. My first book with them, After the Mist, is getting rave reviews. You can find more information about them, see the terrific books and enjoy the lovely covers at Champagne Book Group.

This interview was courtesy of Chloe Jones See Jane Publish


 What made you decide to become a publisher?

Call me a disgruntled reader. I got tired of reading the same thing over and over, just with the details slightly skewed. I wanted to read something fresh and original, which I wasn’t finding. Then, as an author with one too many bad experiences behind me, I figured there had to be a better way. One day over vanilla lattes with a friend, who had listened to me moan and groan for years, the idea of creating my own house was born. It wasn’t for another year or so that the ‘idea’ was brought into fruition.

You’ve recently changed your name/logo. Why did you decide to change? What’s the significance?

The logos for each imprint are still the same. We still have Champagne Books (our romance and mainstream fiction imprint), Carnal Passions (the erotic romance imprint) and our newest imprint, BURST (science fiction and fantasy). Since all three imprints are managed by the same executive team, it only made sense to ‘group’ them, hence the Champagne Book Group. The logos for each individual imprint are still the same; however, we’ve got the corporate logo for the book group now.

Could you please tell us specifically what types of books Champagne Book Group publishes?

Genre fiction. We do not publish non-fiction, biographies, children’s books, short story collections. We do publish romance and all its sub-genres, erotic romance, mystery/suspense/thrillers, science fiction and fantasy.

If you could get your hands on more stories in a certain genre – or with certain characters – what would it be?

Historical highland romances are high on our list. We’re also looking for steampunk as well. Our Carnal Passions line is looking for good quality, erotic romances in all the subgenres, specifically male/male and ménage.

What are you absolutely not looking for?

Right now our needs are pretty wide-spread, so the best way to explain what we’re not looking for is to simply say ‘non-fiction’. The proliferation of YA vampire romances has been so strong lately, that we are not looking for those either.

Will you be doing both e-books and print books? Where can you find Champagne Book Group books?

As a digital publisher, we focus first on the electronic book, and then if there is enough interest, the book goes into print. Our eBooks are widely distributed in all the major online stores, and our paperbacks are available on our website, Amazon and Lulu. Those that have high demand get moved into increased distribution for availability in bookstores.

Most new writers have visions of agents and New York publishing houses dancing in their heads. Can you tell us some of the advantages of signing with a digital/small press publisher over a New York publisher?


I can’t imagine that a new author (or any author for that matter), can call up the publisher of Simon and Schuster just to say hello and to ask for help with a problem. They can with a small press. We tend to be a little less formal, a lot more hands-on, and much friendlier than those huge corporations. While submissions times aren’t near as quick as they used to be with small press, they still may get their book out faster than waiting in line at NY, and they definitely have more input into editing and cover design.

What do you look for in a prospective writer?

We look for someone who writes well, spins a great story and understands that the work isn’t done with typing ‘the end’. On submission, we ask authors to send along a ‘promotions plan’ which, hopefully, gets their head wrapped around the idea of promoting their work once it’s available for sale. We want authors who are good to work with and who don’t fight the entire process. We want authors who aren’t afraid to take the initiative.

After you receive a query/synopsis – approximately how long does it take you to reply to the author?

The acquisitions editor confirms that the query has been received within a few days if she’s busy, but she tends to be on that one fairly quickly, so you’ll likely hear that she’s received your query as soon as she’s seen it. Then it is 1-2 months for her to review all the initial submissions. Should the complete manuscript get requested, expect another 2-3 month wait. Our submissions email is very busy, so if those time parameters have come and gone, it doesn’t hurt to email to see where things are. But please only do so if you’ve 1) never heard if your submission was received, 2) it’s been longer than 2 months for your initial query or 3) it’s been over 3 months since you sent in your complete manuscript. DO follow our guidelines for compiling your submission package. If you do not stick to the requested format, your submission will be deleted.

Most authors seem to feel it’s the publisher’s responsibility to do the marketing – that all an author should do is write. In your opinion, how important is marketing and what’s the writer’s responsibility in this area?

Who knows your book better than the author who wrote it? That’s the person who should be out there yakking it up the most. Marketing is very important, but there’s a definite difference between marketing and promoting, although many authors use the terms interchangeably. Marketing is broader in scope, and promotion is just one tool used as part of an overall marketing strategy. While promotion is important to marketing success, it does not constitute an entire marketing strategy on its own.

Basically, the marketing mix is composed of the 4 “P’s”—product, price, place and promotion. Obviously the author has no control over price and placement, which means the price of the product and where it is sold, that’s the publisher’s job. But promotion is the method that is used to let customers know about the product.

So, again, who better to let customers know about your book?

Across the Internet, the most common expressed concern is the perceived lack of quality control in eBooks. Would you like to comment on where Champagne Book Group is with respect to performance in this area?

I think this perception is changing as eBooks go more and more mainstream. Yes, there is still a lot of junk out there since so many people feel that they can produce an eBook and get it for sale without much effort. But the reality is, everyone needs a good editor and everyone needs good cover art.

Since Champagne opened in 2005, we have strived to keep our quality high, which we have done with several editorial reviews prior to publication. We don’t put out a lot of books per month because we want to be able to maintain that high standard.

As a publisher, what is the best advice you can offer a writer on how to be successful in the business?

First of all, develop thick skin. You’ll be criticized and critiqued over and over. Listen to what is said about your work and use it to improve. Then write what you know, and what you like to read, and write every day. If you can find a writer’s group, use one. If you can’t, find an online critique group–peer interaction is not only extremely helpful, but keeps you from feeling that you’re alone. Lastly, once you’ve got something out there for the reading public, don’t hide. Be visible. Take a look at what some of the successful authors in your genre are doing and never, ever stop learning and growing as an author.
Please tell us in one sentence – why we should read Champagne Book Group books/authors.

Quality fiction at fantastic prices.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Dear God no, I’m exhausted!

This interview was courtesy of See Jame Publish

Why do agents reject so much good work? By Dick Harrison

For the same reason they reject so much bad work. They are innundated with many, many more submissions than they can handle.

When I started out I was one of four "first readers" who read manuscripts from new authors at a literary agency. We all had a couple dozen manuscripts on our desks every morning, and were told to read no more than ten pages of each before either rejecting the work or passing it up the chain to the boss. On a typical day only one or two manuscripts made it up the chain from among all four of us. Most of those were rejected by the boss before he finished reading fifty pages.

Other than the brief time it took to read those fifty pages, the boss was busy with the nuts and bolts work or representing the authors in the agency's stable and launching the very, very few new authors who were selected. Submitting to publishers, negotiating paperback rights, trying to sell film or TV rights, selling foreign rights, trying to attract reviewers' interest, attending any signing or launch parties that were in New York or close enough to reach conveniently, checking royalty reveues, meeting with the authors and all the rest -- plus managing the office -- was a full time job.

One new author every month or so was all the boss had time for.

The math worked like this: Together, the four first readers screened about 100 submissions every day. That's about 20,000 a year. The agent reviewed 20 or so each month, so just 250 of the 20,000 each year. That's 1-1/4%. Of the 250 reviewed by the agent, only 10 might be accepted. That's just 5 one-hundredths of one percent of the original 20,000. Of those, only half would eventually sell to a publisher. That's five out of 20,000, or 2-1/2 one-hundredths of 1%.

The decisions, from the first readers to the agent to the publishers, were made on one criterion: saleability. Badly-written genre novels were accepted if they adhered to the conventions of the genre, because pub;ishers -- and readers of that particular genre -- would buy them no matter how atrocious the writing. Beautifully-written books without commercial appeal didn't make it past the first readers' ten-page limit.

Were there literary masterpieces burried in the reject pile? Almost certainly. Were commercial blockbusters rejected? Probably. But the system was actually gave writers a better shot than they have at many agencies today. Back then writers got ten pages to make their case with the first readers. Today, many agencies won't even look at an unsolicited manuscript. So the 5 out of 20,000 chance a new writer had of getting published a few decades ago has shrunk to virtually zero today unless she or he self-publishes.

Book Release 2/6/2012

Well, it happened. My book released yesterday. Thought I needed to say something about that. But what do I say? Eighteen month. That's how long I'm giving it to become a best seller. Eighteen months. I told my family that from the very beginning and I'm sticking to it. Do I think my book is good enough to be a Best Seller? You ask. Yes I do.

Book Trailer

Well . . . what can I say? I did my trailer. I bought the program Adobe Premiere Elements 10, downloaded it into my computer and felt like a Kindergartner in the world of Rocket Scientist’s. Frustration hit a new high until finally I was able to stumble through the program to reach a trailer I liked.

Then I went on to figure out how to add music. I played several Royalty free songs over my slide show until I found one that fit perfectly. I paid for song . . . it went to iTunes and I stumbled through another process of trying to figure out how to add the music to my video. I tried to download it direct from iTunes that didn't work. I tried to drop it there, no success I couldn't minimize my screens properly to have them both up at the same time.


Finally I did it; don't ask me how, but, I did it. Don’t ask not because I’m not willing to tell you but because I'd have to figure it out all over again. But I have a trailer. . I'm pretty proud of. Sure it has its problems including a miss on a word, but I'm pretty happy with it all in all.


I have watched it now countless times in amazement. . . I did that, yeah! Now I can move on to book two in my trilogy. I’ve written around eight chapters thus far. I know where it's going, my invisible friends have been patiently waiting to get there but first I'm going to go back and edit as I discovered a lot with my last editing process. So onward-ho. . . . if that's even a saying. I am adding my trailer on the side of this blog.


Watch it . . . enjoy it. Until the next trailer. I'm sure I’ll be better erupt by then. Or not. But it was a fun process, frustrating but fun.