Interview with Teresa Geering, author of "The Eye of Erasmus" and "Shasta Summers"...

		Today, in the Forum, we have a   charming and comical writer, Teresa Geering. She’s here to talk about her novels “The Eye of Erasmus” and “Shasta Summers.” As always, I intend to dig for other fun stuff from her past and present as well as find out what she might be cooking up next. So, let’s get started J
Tim Greaton: I’ve heard you have a fascinating volunteer pastime when you’re not busy entertaining all of us. Could you tell us a little about it, Teresa? Teresa Geering:  Hello, Tim. Firstly, can I say thank you for inviting me to appear on your show!  What a wonderful audience, if I may say so.  When I'm not writing I work as a volunteer for the Kent County Police where I live. It was several days a week until recently, but it was beginning to encroach on my writing time so I’ve now cut it down to one day. I've done this for twenty years now and enjoy every moment of it. I have done the 'graveyard shift' many times until the early hours and enjoyed the experience. Yes I have been in the car with all the lights flashing and sirens blaring. The irony being that you hear none of that inside the car. You are just aware of vehicles clearing a path for you. It has its dark side of course when you attend sudden deaths or road accidents. It certainly opens your eyes as to what the police deal with in their day to day job. Let’s not forget that they are also ordinary men and women with families of their own.  Tim Greaton: Since I live in a Maine City by the Atlantic, I’d love to hear about your seaside hobby and any others.  Teresa Geering:  Oh well now let me see. I do love beach combing I have to admit, with my head down battling against the wind. Who knows what little gem you may find washed up by the might of the sea or left behind by a visitor? Also you can sometimes find the prettiest shells right there in front of you. What else? …. Oh yes I enjoy candle making with a friend for the local markets. We ran out of containers to pour the wax in on one occasion and we rummaged in her cupboard to find something unusual and yes we found something. It was a 'rubber item' which was intact so we suspended it in a jar and filled it with the wax. It got longer and longer until it hit the bottom of the jar. It was so successful we eventually made several and sold them all! Plus we were asked if we were taking orders. Mind you we had drunk a couple of glasses of wine between us.  Tim Greaton: I hear wonderful things about your writing, but I know you’re not one to tout yourself too loudly. So, let me ask this way, what are readers saying about your work?  Teresa Geering:  Hmm, a difficult one to answer to be honest. I would much prefer to promote someone else’s work. One of my reviewers said, “If (The Eye of Erasmus) … is Teresa Geerings' debut novel then welcome to the new Jean Auel.” I felt that was an immense compliment. Another compared my writing to J.K. Rowling and also stated, “…like the Harry Potter novels, it is a book that will be read by all age groups, and I know that I will read it time and again.” Unbelievably, another reader made comparisons to the Chronicles of Narnia which completely blew me away. Those are very humbling compliments.  Humbling but deserved, I’m sure, Teresa. So what can you tell us about your current novels and upcoming projects? While we’re talking about it, I’m also curious if you might have bypassed any stories or books…and if you plan to revisit them? Teresa Geering:  Two of my books out now are parts of a trilogy. The first book is “The Eye of Erasmus.” It’s about a time travelling lover with attitude until he falls in love with a woman from his future. It was in fact the second book of the series but by popular demand it was released first. The second book, “Shasta Summer,” comprises two books which my publisher felt should be released as one. The first story tells of a young girl who discovers that she has a past heritage as a benefactor of a village. In the second story, Shasta regresses to her past life with the idea of changing her lovers’ fate. Does she succeed? Well you would need to read the book of course.  I have also been writing the last book in the trilogy, along with another book which also involves time travel but with a much more modern twist.  Hidden in my drawers are several short stories that I have been working on with another writer. Yes they will eventually see the light of day. Maybe not just yet, though :-)  Tim Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a particular type of writer?  Teresa Geering:  Initially I considered myself to be a fantasy 'fluffy' writer for young adults, but as I got halfway through “The Eye of Erasmus,” I discovered it was becoming a much darker novel. I approached a couple of young adults who were avid readers for their opinion and was told, in no uncertain terms, the darker the better. Relieved, I allowed my natural writing style to come through and am pleased with how the novels have turned out.  Tim Greaton: If one of your current novels makes it to the big screen, what kind of a monster would be in the film? And which actor or actress would you have battling it?   Teresa Geering:  Ha ha. Well, King Kong and the Empire State Building instantly come to mind. However I would have a twenty foot robot of Bertie Bassett the sweet and have him walking down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace (aka The Pillsbury Dough Boy in Ghostbusters). The hero (Jim Carey) is supposed to eat Bertie before he makes it to the Palace where he intends to kill off the Queen and her Consort. The hero gets side tracked though by the heroine (Lisa Kudrow). After a quick love session in the middle of The Mall, they attack Bertie Bassett with gusto. Both of them trying to cram as much of him in their mouths as possible. The only back up they have are the mounted horse Guards in Horse Guards Parade.  Will they manage to completely eat him before he gets to the Palace and do the foul deed, or will the Horse Guard soldiers have to help them out? … I could be here all day at this rate, Tim, getting sillier and sillier.  Tim Greaton: I’m sure it would be a movie many of us would love to see, though it would probably be hard to hear the dialog with everyone laughing. Okay, so let’s say you had an unlimited advertising budget, how would you “get the word out” about your latest release?   Teresa Geering:  Oh that's easy peasy. I would pay Richard Armitage (a well-known English actor of stage and screen) to act out novel scenes on TV and during the previews to theatre movies. I would co-star as Shasta (in the commercials, mind you). Are you saying you know someone who would fund this ad campaign? Because, I’d be willing to make as many millions as that other fantasy writer…you know, the one who invented a school called Hogwarts, or something like that :-)     Tim Greaton: I probably should mention you’re grinning right now. We don’t want the Potter fans coming after you J.  So, let’s say JK’s fans realize you were kidding and let you live well past 125 years; when you finally do find rest, what would you like written on your tombstone?  Teresa Geering:  How about *Here lies Teresa Geering, International Best Selling Author = Veni Vidi Vici*  Tim Greaton: I have to say, it has been a blast having you today, Teresa. It would be great if you could share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly communicate with you and purchase your stories.   Teresa Geering:  Yes it was a lot of fun, Tim. My blog site is: http://tgeering.blogspot.com    “The Eye of Erasmus” and “Shasta Summer” can be found as follows:  Erasmus Shasta and Merlin The Movies --  http://relaxatnight.blogspot.com/2011/10/20-second-movie-pitch-erasmus-shasta.html “Shasta Summer” -- Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B0054RWUKW Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0054RWUKW “The Eye of Erasmus” --  Amazon US:   http://amzn.com/B003VS0DR8  Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VS0DR8 Tim Greaton: Thanks again for spending time with us, Teresa. I heard you are as fun in person as in your novels, and I’m willing to bet many of our readers think so, too. Many of them are likely getting ready to click on your links right now. Teresa Geering:  Can I just say thank you, Tim, for inviting me along. This has been a wonderful experience. However, I’m not used to so much excitement so should probably go for a long lie down to recuperate J

Interview with Andy Holloman, author of "Shades of Gray"...

		Today, I’m excited to welcome Andy Holloman to our forum. He’s a man with a history in business, and his story about how his novel “Shades of Gray” came to be is truly fascinating. Grab a cold drink and get ready to spend time with a truly fabulous author.
Tim Greaton: I know you are a successful entrepreneur, and I was hoping you might start by telling us a little about your businesses and non-writing background? Andy Holloman: Thanks for the question Tim, and a big thanks for having me as a guest.  I’ve been a fan of your site and your support of writers for a long while.  My background is as follows - Born and bred in North Carolina, currently living in the Raleigh NC area.  Did my studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, thus I’m a big Tarheel fan. I built a travel agency business throughout the 1990’s. That business stumbled and closed after 9/11 and some other big changes in the industry. Since 2003, I’ve been a residential mortgage lender.  I’m a proud father of three perfect (well mostly) children – 14 y.o. daughter, 12 y.o. son, 8 y.o. son and I’ve been happily married for 20 years. I love the great outdoors in NC (mountains and beaches), hiking, camping, and jogging. Tim Greaton: I usually don’t hop into discussions about releases this early but I have to ask. Other than it being an all-around great story that has ranked near the top of the Amazon charts, I hear one thing about your novel “Shades of Gray.” Apparently, you’ve heard the same thing…a lot. Can you tell our readers what we’re talking about? Andy Holloman: The compliment I’ve received regularly (and of which I’m truly grateful) is that my story ending takes a lot of readers by surprise. I found the ending to the novel after I had written half of it and it fit so well that the ending was a great asset in the creation of the remainder of the book. I enjoy the same whenever I read and found the complexity of creating a surprise ending to be very fun. I worked hard to drop in just enough clues such that it didn’t reveal the ending but once the readers got to the end, they could see clues clearly. Since we’re talking about it, where did you get the original idea for “Shades of Gray”? Andy Holloman: OMG! There is a story behind that. “Shades of Gray” grew out of my experience as a travel agency owner and a client of the business. One of my staff members brought a situation to my attention whereby a client was making some strange (but legal) requests on how her first class airline tickets were to be issued.  My staff and I all suspected that she was doing something illegal during her travels which appeared to be confirmed when she was found shot, execution style, in her burned out home in Durham, NC.  This event planted a seed in my over-active imagination, and that seed developed into my novel. Tim Greaton: I’m always fascinated by the different paths we writers take to perfect a story. What’s your story-polishing process like? Andy Holloman: I found beta readers to be invaluable to the revision process.  I currently have three writer friends who review my drafts. I find it impossible to be objective about my own writing and look to these talented folks to point out areas that need polishing and/or don’t propel the story forward. Beta writers are an essential part of the re-writing process for me.  One of my beta readers noticed a recurring concept in my early draft that she felt would be a turnoff to female readers. I’m so lucky that she found this flaw and completely agreed with her assessment. The resulting changes improved the story greatly. Tim Greaton: Is there any one author who has influenced your work? Andy Holloman: Wow! I have to admit that I have one favorite author who I model myself after, although I’m certain that it will be a goal I pursue forever. I’m a hardcore fan of John LeCarre, the greatest writer of spy novels. His writing style is one that I’ve labeled as “rich” in that his writing has great depth and complexity in how he reveals the plot points and the actions of his characters will consistently be difficult to interpret. He never lays out his plot in such a way that you can identify all the “moving pieces.” There’s ambiguity and the “meaning” of events and character actions is subject to many interpretations. In his genre, he’s also quite different in that his stories are never filled with action, violence, car chases, or such. His is a thoughtful, melodic, complex portrayal of the world of clandestine activities and he is a master. So, my feeble attempts to emulate him revolve around those similar themes of using nuance, mystery, ambiguity, and misdirection to allow the reader to make a variety of interpretations of the scenes and character actions that play out in my stories. Tim Greaton: Getting back to your novel “Shades of Gray,” which part of your story was the most difficult to write?   Andy Holloman: My novel begins with an automobile accident that involves the protagonist and his young daughter.  My initial idea for the story revolved around the idea of “what would be the very worst thing that could happen to a father as a consequence of his life choices”.  As a father myself, writing these first several pages and describing the accident were very difficult.  As any parent would understand, envisioning a horrible event befalling your child is heart wrenching. Tim Greaton: I don’t think this is too much of a stretch to imagine “Shades of Gray” becoming a movie, so who would you want in the cast? Andy Holloman: I have to admit it would be fun being involved in making a film. My main character would be played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, whose range and ability to play a HUGE diversity of characters make him perfect. My main character’s partner, Wanda Johnson, would be played by Jada Pinkett Smith who is as talented as she is attractive (which is one of Wanda’s attributes). My antagonist would be played by the wonderful Don Cheadle, who I love to watch on screen.  He does bad guys especially well. Tim Greaton: It would be great if you could share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly communicate with you and purchase your stories. Andy Holloman: Folks can connect with me through my website/blog at  www.AndyHolloman.com  and can also find me on Twitter -  @AndyHolloman  and Facebook – www.Facebook.com    Here is the link to my book on Amazon   http://bit.ly/AC8rlU And, as a special THANK YOU to readers of this forum,  send me an email and mention “Tim Greaton Forum” in your email and I’ll send you a FREE eBook copy of my novel, which can be read on most e-reader devices, including Kindle!) My email address is AndyHolloman   AT    gmail.com   Tim Greaton: Andy, your offer of a free book is amazing, and I’m sure there are people typing your email address even as they read these last few lines. I want to thank you for taking time with all of us. It has been great having you here. Thanks, Tim. I feel honored to have been able to chat with you today and please know that I LOVE READERS!! To have people reading and commenting on my novel has truly been the greatest pleasure of the publishing process. Nothing makes me happier than to swap messages with people of all stripes who have taken the time to read my book.

Interview with Arthur Levine, prolific author of "Sequin Boy and Cindy," "Johnny Oops" and others...

		Today, in the Forum, I’m excited to talk with my friend, prolific writer Arthur Levine. He has several great novels to talk about, and his rapid-fire wit is hard to keep up with. I’m certain that he’ll keep all of us on our toes for the entire interview. This is sure to be funJ
Tim Greaton: I’ve been fortunate to know you for some time, Arthur, but I’m hoping you could tell our readers a little about yourself. Arthur Levine: It’s great to be here, Tim. I have a background in publishing, healthcare programming and an interest in spirituality. I actually wrote for the UPI Religion and Spirituality Forum for a while until the editor decided I was attacking religion from too many points of view. I developed a Selfcare Health Care system based on using artificial intelligence and that’s where I got my interest in quantum computing, which Einstein called, “Spooky action at a distance.”  Guess he couldn’t figure it out either. I use all these things in my writing. Tim Greaton: I heard a rumor that you actually speak more than one language. Is that true? Arthur Levine:  I spent a summer in Mexico when I was sixteen and can still make love in Spanish if I drink enough tequila, or at least I used to be able to speak fluent Spanish. Tim Greaton: Was there anyone from your past who made an indelible stamp on your writing?   Arthur Levine: I never had anyone who strongly influenced my writing. I just went off on my own letting my imagination take me wherever it wanted, but I did have a remedial reading teacher in High School who taught me how to read with 95% comprehension very fast. I did a lot of reading as a kid. Tim Greaton: What was the event that most influenced your life? Arthur Levine: Meeting my wife on a blind date two hours late at Penn Station and saying, “You must be very angry.” She replied, “No, just hungry.” We’ve been married 51 years and never had a dull moment. Tim Greaton: You currently have three great novels out now (The “Johnny Oops” novels and “Sequin Boy and Cindy”) and I’ve been fortunate to read passages from two others. I also happen to know that Focus House Publishing is about to release one of your nonfiction works on religion. Where do you find the time? And do you have any moments left in the day for other hobbies? Arthur Levine: ‘Hate to be dull but my hobby is writing. After that I love following the stock market and pretending I’m making a fortune investing all my book royalties. Tim Greaton: I’ve heard high praise about your work from several bestselling authors. Rebecca Forster is one who comes to mind. What is the secret ingredient to your writing? Arthur Levine:  I’ve been told it’s unique. That’s just my imagination running wild, I think. Tim Greaton: Given all the time you invest in front of a keyboard, can I assume you have a full pipeline of projects that we can expect to see in the near future? Arthur Levine: I’ve written and published three books, “Johnny Oops,” “Johnny Oops11 – Timeless” and just recently “Sequin Boy and Cindy.” I have also written four other novels in some stage of editing. I write quickly, but the editing goes on forever. Tim Greaton: I remember a great snippet you mentioned from your commercial writing past. If you know which one I mean, could you tell us about it? Arthur Levine: I was working for a major magazine for only a few months when I got called into the Controller’s office. ”Levine,” he said, “you’re making the rest of us look bad. Please start spending more on your expense account for lunches and dinners!” I’m a quick learnerJ. Tim Greaton: I assume you either have or will write about this person, but who was the most memorable real life character you ever met?   Arthur Levine: I was a trainee for a brokerage company and the big producer in the outfit was buying thousands of shares of RCA. I opened the mail in the morning, saw a big write up on RCA and ran over to show him. He took this big cigar out of his mouth long enough to say, “Sonny do you want me to read it or buy it?” Tim Greaton: I know how dynamic your novels can be. Where do you come up with such creative ideas for plots, characters, everything? Arthur Levine: When I get an idea, I run over to the computer to write it down. I don’t use an outline, and if I get a thought while out on the street I can be dangerous to other drivers and myself trying to write it down before I forget it. I’ve learned to be careful though because if I come up with an ending too soon, I tend to rush to the conclusion. Tim Greaton: Do you have beta readers in your family or circle of friends, or do you trust your own instincts before you publish your works? Arthur Levine: I’ve only had beta readers on my most recent novel, “Sequin Boy and Cindy.” My wife doesn’t like fantasy. All I write is fantasy. Sometimes life can be hard. Tim Greaton: What is your most recent novel about? Arthur Levine: I was hoping you would ask. My most recent is, “Sequin Boy and Cindy,” a paranormal romance. Spirit ancestors charging through the night sky and a White Buffalo with blazing red eyes show young lovers the way to true happiness. Two lonely young people from abused backgrounds find each other, fall in love, join the army, and both suffer injuries in a war in Iran, but go on to build a great family and future together. This is a heartwarming tale of the art of the possible as Billy and Cindy capture the hearts of an adoring public (in the story) and take New York City by storm. It’s a love story for the ages. Tim Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story? Arthur Levine: I don’t know. I wish I did. Tim Greaton: Will there be sequels or other stories connected to this one? Or do you plan on exploring other realms or even other genres next? Arthur Levine:  I don’t know. I never know. I wake up with something rolling around in the back of my head and start writing. It just comes pouring out. My main characters seem to lead me through the story. Tim Greaton: I can’t think of a single author who tells stories in a similar vein to you, Arthur. Do you relate your work to any other authors? Arthur Levine: I really don’t model my work after anyone, but I’ve been told several of my books resemble J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher In The Rye” or John Irving’s “The World According To Garp.” Tim Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a particular type of writer or do you try to fit your novels into any particular genre? Arthur Levine: I’m just a storyteller. I pay little attention to the norms of writing. Though there are times I would like to be more controlled, I find it inhibits my writing style to the extent I have one. Control is not one of my virtues. Tim Greaton: Well, it certainly works for you. Given your instinctive storytelling style, which part of the novel-building process is most difficult for you? Or does it all come easily (I ask with great jealousyJ)?   Arthur Levine: The detail. I have a habit of charging from one idea to another, sometimes leaving the reader behind I’m afraid. I add detail when I’m editing – takes forever.  To me, the ideas are most important. Tim Greaton: After writing any of your novels, did you wish you could have changed something? Arthur Levine: Not so far, no. Except sometimes I write too much and then I have to cut, but change, never. Well, hardly ever. Tim Greaton: Why did you choose this particular tone for your story? Arthur Levine: I don’t know, someone else will have to explain that to me. I tend to be a little snide and my characters are not always loveable, but to me that’s real life. Tim Greaton: If any one of the monsters could come to life in our world right now, which one would you choose and why?   Arthur Levine: I think I would chose The White Buffalo in Sequin Boy and Cindy because she is not really a monster, but can change into a beautiful maiden if need be. I like beautiful maidens. Tim Greaton: Though we have every expectation that you will live well past 125 years, when you finally find rest, what would you like your tombstone/obituary to say? Arthur Levine: Three lines: “Hope I’m still writing in the great upstairs. Hope someone is reading me. Please send all royalties to my wife.” Tim Greaton: It would be great if you could share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly communicate with you and purchase your stories. Arthur Levine: My website/blog (with a contact form) is http://johnnyoops.blogspot.com Amazon Kindle for “Johnny Oops” is http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1 For “Johnny Oops 11 – Timeless”  http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-11-Timeless-ebook/dp/B005XP2GPO For “Sequin Boy and Cindy” - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6 Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today. I’m fortunate to have some of the greatest forum readers in the world, and I bet “Sequin Boy and Cindy” and your other works are being searched by many of them right now. Arthur Levine: Thanks so much for this opportunity, Tim. I guess I’m a little surprised by my answers. Hope your audience finds them interesting.