tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89471381418349461002024-03-09T18:46:11.481-08:00Tim Greaton Forum...presenting the most talented authors, artists and business people living and working in our world today.Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-61620701590034592082013-08-10T06:46:00.000-07:002013-08-10T06:46:24.830-07:00Interview with spiritual author Cesar about his novel Boy Who Dreams...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Today, in the Forum, we have a
fascinating spiritual writer who goes simply by the name Cesar. He’s here to
talk with us about his YA novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boy Who
Dreams</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: It’s great to have you with us, Cesar. I guess the best place to
start would be early in your life. I understand you had a shocking experience
when you were a child. You could tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar: I remember being at
my grandmother’s flat in Portsmouth as a child, I guess I would have been
about seven or eight and I was searching for my Transformers toy and looked
under an armchair only to find a head staring back at me. It was a ghost, I
guess. Although, now, these many years later, I am unsure whether it actually
happened or not. Either way, I chose to include this story into my book <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Boy who Dreams.<b> </b></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The same thing
happens to </span>the character, but at school.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Revival-Prayers-1-M-Cesar/dp/1490340130/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376141874&sr=1-1&keywords=revival+prayers+cesar"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3oA2eZK33cIQubp4BJY6YlIgIThgS-Pqcqh_PLJzFZ1i3bE52BmiRbgvHKP__NQOhivRU8hl3F005gPJ5x9W7EUA6QhQZrTlL4TPn0oEPRMA2IccFi6nTb5486KE9IgbkRpqPtG8CrM/s320/frontPPS.jpg" width="198" /></a></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Many authors are bubbling wells of creativity. The same is true for
you. Could you tell us about your other creative pastime?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar: I really enjoy
painting Celtic art onto canvas and furniture. My favorite of my paintings is
the Celtic tree with interlocking branches and hundreds and hundreds of
perfectly shaped dots that form Celtic patterns of leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: What genres do you read?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Though<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I read most
genres, it’s mostly YA or fiction. Sometimes I do read historical or psychology
books, as they interest me a lot, too.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Prophecies-Special-Cesar/dp/1467911356/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376141942&sr=1-2&keywords=book+of+prophecies+cesar"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV8gs-3uaQJWV-Ho3QPKXzaEL3-J8uh7eaNGzraLnqXCBC93qvE2wRmaOTyMoMzg8mKUejs2mrEvI-OdC08oeSqW0x7NXuZT9-vYrYr_eYy8ZTZ3Rdo2mdiTyvAJjjThDQCKorGt8m8A/s320/BookCoverImageNew.jpg" width="200" /></a></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: I count at least five of your books available now. Could you tell us
a little about some of them?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you mentioned, we’ll be talking about
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boy Who Dreams</i> today. That was my
third book. My first book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prayers
Poems Songs</i> was a collection of thoughts and prayers that I wrote when I
was a teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Book of Prophecies</i>, was probably the
first published book of its kind since Nostradamus in the 16<sup>th</sup>
century. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></span></o:p></span></u></i><br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: For our forum readers, I’d also like to mention two of your other
books, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Revival Prayers</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Edify</i>, both of which have free
giveaways until October 5<sup>th</sup>. More information is available on
Cesar’s website </span><a href="http://aboutcesar.blogspot.ie/p/home.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://aboutcesar.blogspot.ie/p/home.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Cesar, it
must be difficult keeping up with such a steady production. Do you have a set
writing schedule?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well the majority of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boy Who Dreams</i> was written during the night!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, I was suffering from insomnia
and decided to invest those hours in a creative way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I write during the day whilst
listening to music.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boy-who-dreams-1-Cesar/dp/1470033585/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376141910&sr=1-1&keywords=boy+who+dreams+cesar"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QhPE_cjgaQlvVSBAzBnFTDKzTK3QdxDo2q015iiGvQDEbyfYxXzegJxbvgu4GiXXI4G1AyatJ8h8cj4CsikFySN2VeQiFdSBBjU4ex7dmsuSRTSIbqgrzGiflta2OA-ywDvVndUTzwg/s320/BWD+low+resolution.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Like many of us, you use a circle of beta readers. How does that
work exactly?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother reviews my books, mainly for
plot and story weaknesses. He has a background in animation, and his constructive
criticism is always helpful. Though other friends do review my works, they
often say they liked or loved the books without pointing out perceived flaws,
which honestly is a little frustrating for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: I understand you have a strong affinity for a certain well-known
author. How has that played into your fiction efforts?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I am embarrassed to say that I was
late in reading the Harry Potter series by J K Rowling, but I was reading it
whilst I wrote <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Boy who Dreams, and
it </span></i>certainly did influence my story. Indeed, when I was finalizing
the dialogue, I tried to use a similar format to J K Rowling, mainly because
I thought her books were amazing and because this was my first YA book. What
better model to assure a connection with my YA readers?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Edify-Dreams-Prophecies-Visions-Cesar/dp/1490502440/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376141656&sr=1-1&keywords=edify+cesar"><img alt="Revival Prayers by Cesar" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1371307622l/18010227.jpg" title="Revival Prayers by Cesar" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Since we are discussing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boy
Who Dreams</i>, can you tell us more about the story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar: The main character,
Jordan, returns to school after the holidays and is troubled by haunting dreams.
After the death of a close relative, things spiral out of control as he
realizes that his dreams are showing him the future, and that he could have prevented
the death of his relative. But as the mystery about his strange paranormal
powers grows, a dark figure crosses from his dreams into real life. Then, as
his friends start to disappear one-by-one, he must face a reality that he is
walking a destiny foretold thousands of years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well actually, quite a few of the dreams
and even some of the events in this book are based upon my own life. I have
always had a keen interest in the paranormal and spiritual side of life, and
this book brings my experience together with beliefs about spirituality from
around the world. It entwines them in an intense and unique story, which
forms the start of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Destiny Awoken </i>series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Can you tell us a little about the next books in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Destiny Awoken</i>?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar: Yes, I am planning
three books in this series. The second book as already half written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this first book I delved into meditation
dreams ghosts and other spiritual topics. The next book continues the story
with Jordan and the other characters including themes of romance and betrayal
but moves on spiritually into angels, prophets, miracles, and astral travel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Edify-Dreams-Prophecies-Visions-Cesar/dp/1490502440/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376141656&sr=1-1&keywords=edify+cesar"><img alt="Edify by Cesar" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1372964578l/18161940.jpg" title="Edify by Cesar" width="251" /></a></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: If you had an unlimited advertising budget, how would you “get the
word out” about your latest release?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, for sure, I would hire my brother's
animation company to put together a short film based upon the book. I have
joked with him saying he should do it for free, even as his fingers went in
his ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But how great would it be to
see your own story on the big screen?!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Could you share your website/blogsite and links to where our
audience could directly communicate with you and purchase your stories.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim
Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with us in the forum today, Cesar. I hope
you’ll pop back in when the next books in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Destiny Awoken</i> series come out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cesar: Thanks, Tim, for
having me along for the interview. I’d also like to thank all the readers and
invite you to keep an eye on my blogs. I often have book giveaways (two right
now) and would love to see everyone there!! Thanks again :)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-65079610511657061352013-05-28T06:02:00.000-07:002013-05-28T06:02:30.106-07:00Interview with fantasy author Jeremy Shory about his book The Journal of Forgotten Secrets...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSAZbgPshO-xfLEz-r02DxcqpK5uujIzz2YdwrWsro_N2HwbhhedsOcEED-5q6EH5zmxVIuAk-R-4m6iEw-8eYXZJe-J0dizorimNkC-bknrDG05FfrAUvYRTyXBgwDNu51C3F-CT3q2/s1600/05-28-13+Jeremy+Shory+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSAZbgPshO-xfLEz-r02DxcqpK5uujIzz2YdwrWsro_N2HwbhhedsOcEED-5q6EH5zmxVIuAk-R-4m6iEw-8eYXZJe-J0dizorimNkC-bknrDG05FfrAUvYRTyXBgwDNu51C3F-CT3q2/s1600/05-28-13+Jeremy+Shory+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSAZbgPshO-xfLEz-r02DxcqpK5uujIzz2YdwrWsro_N2HwbhhedsOcEED-5q6EH5zmxVIuAk-R-4m6iEw-8eYXZJe-J0dizorimNkC-bknrDG05FfrAUvYRTyXBgwDNu51C3F-CT3q2/s1600/05-28-13+Jeremy+Shory+x+250.jpg" /></a></span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Fantasy author Jeremy Shory is with us in the
forum today. He’s the author of <em>The Journal of</em> <em>Forgotten Secrets</em>, and his obvious passion for work and life shines through with every word he speaks. I'm looking forward to learning more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: It’s great to have you here Jeremy. I’m
anxious to talk about your book, but first I was hoping you could tell us a
little about your childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: I actually had a very gifted upbringing growing up in Orlando. Not
gifted in the sense of having gobs of money, but gifted by having the luxury
of major theme parks in my backyard. I have always felt that people travel
thousands of miles to see Disney World and Universal Studios and Sea World/
Busch Gardens, so why not take advantage of my close proximity. Truth be
told, I really love the theme parks. It’s a way to escape from day to day
issues and just live in the magical moment. Because of being able to visit
these magical places on a regular basis, I feel like I’ve always had a
passion for replicating that feeling for those that can’t make it by
transporting their mind via a story. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: A lot of authors I talk with, Jeremy, have unusual
pastimes, but you’re more of a guys’ guy. Can you tell our audience about
that and how you use your interest to help others?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: I’m a big football junkie. I love just about everything involving the
sport, from college on up to the pros. I’m a big Florida State Seminoles fan
(grew up with them being the premier team in the 90’s and have painstakingly
stuck with them ever since). For a while I was serving as chief ACC
correspondent for a college football website called FantasyCollegeBlitz,
which has since shut down. Now I tend to fill my football desires by co-operating
a local flag football league that pairs inner city kids with adults to help
guide and mentor through the sport. We play some ball and have some
heart-to-heart discussions in the process. It’s as rewarding as it is fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Even though you’ve spent a lot of time at the
Florida theme parks, I understand there is another magical place that has
impacted your career.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: Ah yes, this is a good one. I’d say the place that will always stand
out to me as being vital to my life as a writer is the Atlantis Resort in the
Bahamas. I know, it sounds like a strange place to consider influential, but
if it wasn’t for Atlantis I don’t think I would have come up with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Orion Chronicles</i> concept. My wife
and I were vacationing at the amazing resort and it literally was paradise.
If you haven’t been, you must find a way to go at least once in your life.
You won’t regret it. But anyways, so my wife and I were having a great time
and I said to her, “You know, I just need to write the next pop-culture
phenomenon that way we can just stay here any time we want.” As silly as the
comment was, later that night, which was our last night on the vacation mind
you, I was lying in bed and I couldn’t get to sleep. Now I don’t know if it
was because of anxiousness about leaving the next morning or what, but I like
to say it was because my mind was racing with all these fantastic ideas for a
new story. I started jotting them down into my phone (see I wasn’t lying
about that) and before I knew it, I had enough to get <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten Secrets</i> started. So Atlantis played a
crucial role for me in my writing career and for that, I have to say it was
possibly the best vacation I’ve ever taken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Who are the authors who have influenced your
work? And I suppose the next natural question would be do you model your work
after any particular author?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: Consider me your next Stephen King mixed with J.K. Rowling , Dan
Brown, Kurt Vonnegut, and Rick Riordan. Okay, not really. I think that would
be pretty impossible to be all of those combined. But to answer it honestly,
I’d say I don’t think anyone can write a Young Adult Magic Fantasy about a
teenager without saying J.K. Rowling had some influence on them in some way.
But the person I feel I most compare to from a stylization standpoint would
be the great Dan Brown. He has a way of keeping his chapters short, but
eventful. In addition, he has a unique way of injecting internal thought
monologues for his characters and that’s something I really liked, so I
infused it into my stories as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I love to ask writers about their creative systems.
I, for instance, prefer my office to be quiet or to have classical or movie
soundtrack music in the background. What kind of writing environment and
process have you developed?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: My cell phone has about eight different pages full of different notes
about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Orion Chronicles</i> – plot notes
for the overall series, plots for specific books, character names, monsters –
you name it, I have it written down. I feel this works the best for me because
I always have my phone on me no matter where I am, and ideas come to me
constantly. So my cell phone gets quite a workout as I add and remove notes
to it. Then I always make sure to have it next to me as I sit down to write
the next chapter so I can look for any standalone pieces of information I
might be able to work into the story somehow. I listened to my iPod when I
was writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten
Secrets</i>, but now I almost prefer silence as I write. I feel too
distracted with any blasting music nowadays. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I’ve never been a fan of dense writing, which
often comes in the form of huge chunks of encyclopedic information being
dumped on the reader or even as endless descriptive details delivered every time
a character enters a new scene. You definitely don’t have that problem,
Jeremy, and in fact readers have told you just the opposite. Could you talk a
little about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: I have been told that I have a unique way of injecting specific
details into the story without bogging it down. I personally struggle reading
a piece that seems like all I’m getting are the details—how long, how much,
what color, what cut someone’s hair is for example. I feel there is always a
way to infuse the details into the action. This gets back to the age old rule
of “Show, don’t Tell.” If I said someone had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">voluminous curly, auburn hair that covered her head,</i> you’d get
the picture. But what if I said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she
tucked her auburn hair behind her ear, moving the curly strands out of her
face.</i> There’s a difference…there’s action. It’s the same information, but
not like you’re reading a laundry list of features. I’ve worked hard at that
concept and I appreciate those who notice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Okay, first I have to say I LOVE the cover
for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten Secrets.</i>
Could you tell us about it…the book, I mean?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> <img alt="" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81RB2nnSG5L._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41dhCITFoVL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-61,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Orion Chronicles: The
Journal of Forgotten Secrets </i>is the first installment in my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orion Chronicles</i> series. It’s about a
teenager who finds himself inadvertently lured into a sadistic plan, a game
of life and death if you will, that was specifically designed for him by a
mastermind that was thought to have vanished almost one hundred years ago.
The more Orion dives into this evil scheme, the more he uncovers about his
family and how everyone he’s ever known has been keeping dark secrets from
him. Ultimately he decides he’s had enough and he determines he’s going to
take matters into his own hands and start controlling his own fate. At least
he thinks he is anyways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Sounds like a great premise, Jeremy. In a lot
of ways, I see parallels in how we work. For instance, one of my sisters
reads everything I write and has served as a “first reader” for many of my
novels. You, too, have some family help. Could you tell us how that works?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: Oh gosh, I don’t think there’s any way I could have ever completed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten Secrets</i>
without the help of my sister, Kristy. I consider her my resident <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orion Chronicles</i> expert because she’s
read so many drafts of it she could probably recite it in her sleep. This is
a great question because it really gives me the opportunity to thank those
who really helped in my writing process. As I mentioned my sister read every
version, every small edit or plot change, and did it with a smile (I know how
mundane it had to have been for her reading the same thing over and over).
She was a big factor in shaping the story into what it is today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Are there others involved in your production
process?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: My brother, Jason, and best friend Shereena, were my early editors of
sorts. They read the very first version of the story, looking for plot holes
and giving feedback on the overall flow. My editor, Carissa Rossi, was a big
influence and really helped guide me with some excellent advice on how to
tell a clear and precise story. I’ve become really close with a well-known
author named Shaunna Rodriguez, and I’ve recently leaned on her in regards to
my writings as well. She’s been super supportive; it’s been wonderful to have
an author companion like that, especially someone who knows the industry like
she does. And of course my wife…she was there listening to every note I was
jotting down or plot point I wanted to throw in the story. I really can’t
thank these people enough because they were so influential throughout the
entire process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: When you say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Orion Chronicles</i>, I hear series. What can we expect next?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Orion Chronicles</i> is
scheduled to be five parts. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal
of Forgotten Secrets </i>is out right now and I’m working on book two, which
is titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Curse of the Phantom
Brotherhood. </i>The second story really builds on the first by picking up
right where it leaves off. It answers some questions raised in book one, but
more importantly we start to see some of the seeds planted begin to sprout
into more complex, overarching storylines that will be carried throughout the
series. Orion and his three friends, Grayson, Cremmel, and Zora will remain
the focus in each story, but I promise, there’s room for many more characters
and each of them will have their moments in the spotlight as the series
continues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: After writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten Secrets</i>, did you wish you could have
changed something? Do you think you will address that issue in future
sequels?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Shory: I like to think that I’m a pretty descriptive writer, giving details
via action, but I know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of
Forgotten Secrets</i> carried a steep learning curve with it in terms of
writing style. I feel like I’ve been able to take the lessons in efficiency I
learned while writing it and apply them to each piece of writing I’ve done
since then, including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Curse of the
Phantom Brotherhood</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
something to be said for the way an author can paint a clear picture using as
few words as possible…it’s an art really. As we touched on earlier, I’m not a
fan of overly verbose or wordy pieces as I feel it tends to detract from the
main concept. So if I had to say there was something I wish I could change
about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Journal of Forgotten Secrets</i>,
it’s that I wish I would’ve honed that efficiency skill beforehand. It would
have saved a lot of time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I can see your eyes glimmer as we talk about
having a Hollywood-style, effectively unlimited budget to promote your book.
Can you tell us how you’d spend those heaps of advertising dollars?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jeremy
Shory: What a tricky question. An unlimited budget means an infinite amount
of ways to get myself into trouble. I think a billboard plastered up in the
heart of Times Square in New York City would be the perfect launching point
for a major marketing campaign. With the millions of people swarming through
there, I’d think it would maybe catch a few eyes. Then I’d follow that up
with replacing the Hollywood sign with my series title, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Orion Chronicles</i>…that would get everyone’s attention right?
Next, I’d drop a canvas of my book cover that would stretch the whole length
of the legendary London clock, Big Ben. If replacing the Hollywood sign
didn’t bring some awareness, I think that would. And finally, for the cherry
on top, I’d have afternoon and late night commercials run on all the major
networks in hopes that I’d be able to get the college kids talking about it.
Yeah, I think that pretty much hits all the major demographics. Now I kind of
wish I did have an unlimited ad budget</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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Shory: Absolutely, I’d love to share. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Orion Chronicles: The Journal of Forgotten</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Secrets is up on Amazon now for the Kindle and can be
purchased here: </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Orion-Chronicles-Forgotten-ebook/dp/B00BKAZKLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364751260&sr=8-1&keywords=the+orion+chronicles"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://www.amazon.com/The-Orion-Chronicles-Forgotten-ebook/dp/B00BKAZKLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364751260&sr=8-1&keywords=the+orion+chronicles</span></a></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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plan to have it up for the Nook, iBooks, and in hardback and paperback
versions within the next few weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My
main website, which is doubles as my blog, is </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.theorionchronicles.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.TheOrionChronicles.com</span></a></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. There are all kinds of neat things on that site
including character bios and photos, Rules for some of the games I’ve
invented for The Orion Chronicle series (including a really fun card game
called Rookie Mistake), and Magical Race descriptions as told by one of the
main characters. I have a cool blog series going on right now that are blogs
about the characters written by the characters, really giving them a voice
outside the novels. You could say I finally have a constructive outlet for
all the voices in my head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Fans
can contact me through my site, or email directly at </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="mailto:Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jeremy@TheOrionChronicles.com</span></a></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. Also, I’m very active on Twitter where I love to follow
just about everyone, and people can find me under my twitter handle
@OrionChronicles. Finally, I have a Facebook Fan Page where I tend to drop
little tidbits and snippets of my current work, and the link for that is </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Orion-Chronicles/254014971329207?fref=ts"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Orion-Chronicles/254014971329207?fref=ts</span></a></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today,
Jeremy. It’s been a lot of fun, and I suspect many of our audience members
are now searching for copies of your book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jeremy Shory: Tim, I appreciate the
opportunity to spread the word about my work. I’m very humbled and grateful. You
have a fantastic site and do an amazing job promoting authors, so I cannot
begin to thank you for the work you do to help us out. And thank you to your
readers for checking me out. Word-of-mouth marketing is the #1 most effective
tool out there, so anything you or your readers do for me is such an honor.
Thank you a million times over.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-87259761945214372982013-04-12T17:06:00.000-07:002013-04-12T17:06:48.859-07:00Interview with talented Marla Blowers, author of the Young and Naive series....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, in the
forum, I’m pleased to have my friend Marla Blowers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s here to talk about her writing
journey, the <em>Young and Naïve</em> series, and a little about her upcoming project. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: It’s great to finally have you here in the forum, Marla. As writers, we’re used to putting characters in difficult circumstances, but you lived through a period that not even our characters have endured. Could you tell us about it?</span></strong><br /><br />Marla Blowers: I was raised in the Midwest, Nebraska to be exact. I wasn’t an only child but I came along so late that I am actually closer in age to my nieces and nephews. I will share one very memorable time in my childhood, and one that I am sure most children have not experienced. Thank God! At a very young age I ran onto a highway and was hit by a truck. I spent a month in traction and then wore a body cast. I basically had to learn to walk all over again. I can remember the ride to the hospital and throwing up in the emergency room. I celebrated a birthday in the hospital, one young boy messed with the levers on my bed and my legs dropped down. My sister also snuck a puppy into the hospital as a gift, of course it didn’t get to stay there but I had it to look forward to when I got home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Since you can’t write one hundred percent of the time, what hobbies keep you busy in your off hours?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I love to sew! Not mending but actually designing a garment or item. I have sewn since I was in Junior High. I still even have some of those patterns I used way back when and they were only .65 now you can pay $18.00 or more for a pattern. You name it I have probably sewn it. I also have an embroidery machine and if I could I would embroider on anything. Unfortunately, or should I say fortunately for some relatives and friends, not everything will fit into the hoop. I have read you can embroider on toilet paper but that just seems like a waste. (She grins) <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I often get emails asking me when the next book in one or another series is coming out. Apparently, I need to take some lessons from you. It seems like you went from one book to three in now time. Do you have other works stashed away in a closet waiting for release?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: Funny you should ask. I just pulled 3 manuscripts out of cobwebs just a little over two years ago. I was saddened every time I came across them and a few times almost tossed them out. But finally I decided I needed to do this for me. So in March of 2011, I began working on them, and in August of 2011 my first book was published. Eight months later the 3rd one was on the market. So to answer your question currently nothing but clothes are in my closet. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I love how imaginative writers can be, but you’ve taken it to a whole new level. Could you share how your creativity occasionally spills over into the non-writing world?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: For a few years, whenever my husband or I were supposed to pick up someone at the airport (including each other) we always dressed up in silly costumes. For example, he picked me up at the airport and he was dressed up like a devil with a pitchfork holding a sign that read ‘Whenever you go, everything goes to hell’. And once I dressed up almost like a hooker to pick him up. It really wasn’t that bad but for me it felt pretty daring. The funniest one however was a time before 9-11 when you could go all the way to the gate to meet the arrivals. My husband and I were there to pick up my sister and her husband and we cross dressed. I was dressed like a real nerd in yellow pants and glasses with tape holding them together. My husband wore a bright orange mumu, bright red lipstick, swinging a purse on one elbow. He also had a 5 o’clock shadow. The best part was watching people’s reaction to us. They truly didn’t know if we were for real or not. They kind of looked at us out of the corner of their eyes. My sister however was appalled and tried to pretend she didn’t know us. She didn’t even want to walk out to the car with us. </span></div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: (Takes a minute to stop laughing.) I’m glad I wasn’t in the middle of a drink, Marla. Is there a book or a story that impacted your life?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I am not trying to butter you up but, seriously, your novel <em>The Santa Shop</em> really made me look at a few things differently. I especially love the sentence: “You’ve got to finish your Pop-Tarts.” <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: You’re very kind, Marla; one of the perks of interviewing friends. For our readers, more than one hundred thousand people have now read that first book in my <em>Samaritans Conspiracy</em>. In a later scene in the book, Skip Ralstat is about to leap to his death from a very high, windy Vermont bridge. His mind is churning up all sorts of excuses about why he should change his mind and get the hell off that frigid railing. One of his less convincing internal arguments is, “You’ve got to finish your Pop Tarts.”</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I just love that, Tim! I have kept <em>The Santa Shop</em> on my Kindle and have read that paragraph to many people. Given that so many of us are just a paycheck away from losing everything, I look at homeless people with different eyes these days. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I recently read an article about how the Smith-Corona typewriter company misread the technology tea leaves, which is why they are not Apple or Dell today. You’re smirking, so you know what I’m getting at.</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: Yes, I do. You know me too well. At first, I started writing in a notebook while I sat in a car waiting for kids to be done with whatever activity they were in. I moved up to something similar to an electric typewriter that had memory. I guess it was some sort of word processor. That seems like a lifetime ago. I would write a little story for each of my kids and then with all of us around the table we would push a button and it typed what I had written onto paper. We just thought this was amazing! I now write on a laptop, but I do stop the car every once in a while to jot down on a receipt or anything handy something that just popped into my head. </span></div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: A lot of writers ask friends and family to serve as beta readers, but that hasn’t really worked out for you. Why is that?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: My first three books had been stored away for so many years that many of my family and friends had read at least the first one. I never really asked for criticism. It was more like, “Look what I wrote.” It’s okay, though. I usually trust what I write as far as the storyline goes, but I am a terrible editor. If I could have talked a family member or friend into reading it with edits in mind, that would have been wonderful. But I had to hire professional editors for all three books, and even then little issues still cropped up. I think a book could be edited ten times and something would still get missed. I have to admit I am always just a little bit tickled when I read someone else’s book and see an error. It helps me feel they are as human as the rest of us. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a genre writer?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I would definitely say I am an author of women’s books. I do have a couple loyal men who have read all my books and will read anything I write but my target is really for women. I want my books to be as believable as possible and have added many of my own life experiences and some of my relatives. Of course most people will never know which events took place in my life, although I’m sure a few will recognize them. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Could you tell us a little about your latest book?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: <em>Young And Naïve, Wasted Years</em> is about a young girl who lives in the Midwest before moving across country when a relationship goes bad. Even after putting miles between her and her past, she finds herself in another dead end relationship. She finally meets Mr. Right and believes herself to be the luckiest woman alive…until her two little girls are kidnapped! <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I’ve always had an interest in children searching for their biological parents. As I mentioned earlier, I was much younger than my siblings and truly thought I was adopted. In all my writings someone is in search of a family member. It’s also true in my next, fourth book, which is not part of my <em>Young And Naïve</em> series.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I read and enjoyed the first book in your <em>Young and Naïve</em> series, <em>Learning To Fall</em>. There are three books out now. Do you intend to continue the series?</span></strong> <br /><br />Marla Blowers: I have decided to stop there. Your readers might also like to know that any of the three books can be read without any knowledge of the others. My next book is a bit different, mainly in genre. It will be about a man who believes he was reincarnated so it will possibly be a paranormal. I love romance so you can be sure it will also be a romance novel as well. Even though as the series progressed I grew a little braver, I always seem to tame down love scenes before they actually get sent off to the editor. I am probably as curious as anyone else to see what gets sent to the editor next time. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: If your next birthday party were based on your <em>Young and Naïve</em> series theme, what would it be like?</span></strong><br /><br />Marla Blowers: It would be a slumber party, and we would lay on our sleeping bags talking about old times. My friends would obviously have pictures of me with orange and black hair, and they would tell lies about me. Cause that’s what friends do! My kids, who are now grown with children of their own, would not be allowed to come, for fear they would learn which parts of my stories were true. Actually, as adults, they probably have their own stories to tell. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">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 novels.</span></strong><br /><br /> Marla Blowers: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveBooks"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveBooks</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveDaddy"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveDaddy</span></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveWastedYears"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveWastedYears"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/YoungAndNaiveWastedYears</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hy-Vee Grocery Store<br /><br />840 E 23rd St.<br /><br />Fremont, NE<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today, Marla. It’s been fun hanging out, and I suspect you have a sizable army looking up your books right now.</span></strong><br /><br /> Marla Blowers: Tim, as you know, I’m a fan as well as a friend. I always look forward to reading your forum and am honored to be here with you today. I also want to thank your readers, who I happen to know now number in the thousands. Everyone, please feel free to contact me on Facebook or right here. I always love answering questions and making new friends. </span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-52983882164367585872013-03-24T16:28:00.000-07:002013-03-24T16:28:43.524-07:00Interview with out-of-the-box author Jeremy Emling....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Today, in the forum we have author Jeremy Emling. He has been doing some truly unique, out-of-the-box work with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Memories Lost In Heaven’s Tears</i> and his upcoming <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Diary of Destiny</i> series. Let’s jump in and find out what it’s all about.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: Did
you have a relative who strongly influenced you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: My first introduction into the world of literature was really from my
Mother, who was and still is a huge Stephen King fan. As I became a teenager,
her actions in my life enveloped into the main theme of my first book,
“Memories Lost In Heaven’s Tears.” The negativity and abandonment she so
easily gift wrapped and delivered to her youngest son ended up helping her
become a character in my upcoming novel series, “The Diary Of Destiny.” I
guess you can say it’s my way of thanking her for those devious actions, for
if they never happened I truly doubt I’d be the writer that I am today, and
for that I’ll always be eternally grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Are
most of your works available or do you have them hiding away? Do you think
any of it will see the light of day?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: For the most part, “Memories Lost,” is a collection of my work and
I’ve really moved on to living and breathing “The Diary Of Destiny” (TDOD). So
as far as everything goes that I’ve done in the past, well, that’s just where
it’s going to stay. TDOD is what my life is about now, and I am completely
content on where I’m at…in the world of the UnKnowns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Was
there a place from your past that you’ll always remember? How do the memories
of it influence your life/writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: The parental guidance that I had during my upbringing caused us to
move a lot. Every year I was in a new town, starting a new school. Now as a
child this always seemed to be such a traumatic event that I’d never make it
through. Which in turn is probably the reason the life of my main character
in TDOD, Destiny EverDream, is in such chaos and confusion, much like my own.
But as I got older and started looking back on my life, I quickly realized
that the robust amount of cultures I’ve met because of those yearly moves,
are much more a blessing than something terrible. And once more is most
likely the leading factor as to why the world of TDOD is filled with so many
different personalities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: You
often receive what compliment about your writing? Why do you think your writing
stands out in that regard?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: Up until the release of “Memories Lost,” I never received much praise
as I never really shared my work up to that point. But once I started
spreading the word about my new TDOD novel, and shared several of the first
chapters online through social media. The absolute mind-blowing comments have
been almost non-stop. Two really stick out and have meant more to me than any
others, but for a very good reason. They’re really the same comment made by
two different book reviewers on opposite sides of the country. They both have
said, “The Diary Of Destiny novel has the best written first chapter in the
last one hundred years!” At first I didn’t take that as much, but the more I
sat back and thought of all the incredible works of art written during that
time by the likes of, King, Tolkien and Rowling. I’ve become immensely
humbled over those sweet words. But at the same time the more I thought I
realized that they just may be right. TDOD grabs you, not with the first sentence,
or the first paragraph, but with the very first word and it just doesn’t let
go. I feel too many works of literature no matter how grand, start off
boring. Sometimes to the point you about put it down before it can even get
started. TDOD stays away from that type of writing; it sucks you in and makes
you hold on for the ride!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: Are
there any authors you model your work after?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: Absolutely not. As I was just saying before, TDOD is about as
original as you can get nowadays. In order for it to stand out it, it needs
to stand alone. I’d prefer it having its own category than to ever be placed
in one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: Do you involve beta readers before releasing a final product or do you trust your own instincts before you publish your work?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: TWITTER! It has been such a useful tool! I’ve met so many wonderful
people on there; you included Tim that I’ve become great friends with. So yes
I adore beta readers they are an absolute must for me when it comes to TDOD
and Twitter is packed full of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: Then
maybe you’ll share some of your writing system with us, and explain how it
has evolved over the course of your career?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: (He laughs) Never think. That’s about all I can tell you, the words
are just there, somehow. I just sit down with a pad of paper and a pen and
before I even know it everything is coming together. Now if I ever pause to
think of a name for a new character I struggle, but if I turn everything off
and just write, well, everything works out in the end. One more little
pointer, the way I avoid those pause moments in writing is by using question
marks. If I get to a spot where a new name or place is being said, and I
don’t have that particular name set yet, I’ll simply and swiftly add a
question mark so I can come back to it later. So, never think and question
marks! (Laughs again)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: What
is your most recent book/story release? And could you tell us about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: The most important happening in my world of writing is TDOD. “The
Diary Of Destiny” revolves around a soon to be fifteen-year-old girl named
Destiny EverDream. She goes to sleep on the eve of her birthday and wakes in
a dark dead forest filled with magic. A nearby stranger named Zidane claims
to be her brother. The following events, that she believes to be a dream, are
so powerful and affecting that she wants to remember everything. She
immediately heads out and purchases a diary in an attempt to lock those
memories away, but before she knows it those same memories become her story,
they become “The Diary Of Destiny!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: What
led you to tell this particular story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: The story itself I’d have to say. There never were any thoughts on
what to write or where to go. I started TDOD in fact the same way Tolkien
started “The Lord Of The Rings,” I just sat down and started writing. The
story seems as if it already exists and somehow I’ve been given the honor to
share it with the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: What
part of your story was the most difficult to write?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: Like I was just saying, the story and series as a whole has been
writing itself. It never stops or ever takes a break. I have dreamt chapters,
woken up, and wrote them as they were dreamed. So, fortunately for me, up to
this point nothing has been difficult…yet! But if I look at that question
through an emotional viewpoint, then I’d have to say creating the character of
Destiny’s Mother was a challenge, but that’s only because she is so
reflective of my own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: So
there will be sequels and after do you plan on exploring other realms?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: TDOD is in fact a series. There will be eight full-length novels, two
companion books and eight back stories, but those are and will always be free
on, “The Diary Of Destiny” Novel Series Back Story Blog! Entering new realms
will never be a possibility, for as the final page gets written within the
novels, there will still be years of side stories and updates that I’ll work
on until my final breath. Which I’ll make available in several different ways
for free, many of those ways have already been planned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: If
you had an unlimited advertising budget, how would you “get the word out?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: I don’t really think this idea is “advertising” as much as it is just
something pretty cool, but what I’ve always wanted for TDOD is to have copies
buried in sandboxes. That way parents and kids could dig through it to find
their very own copies. It’s how it should be really. The diaries have been
hidden away for years just waiting to be deciphered. So to have your own copy
that’s dusty, dirty and raggedy would just seem so real.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton: It
would be great if you could share your website/blog and links to where our
audience could directly communicate with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: That would be fantastic and I thank you for asking. For any who would
like to join me on my journey through “The Diary Of Destiny,” simply follow
me on Twitter @JeremyEmling. Become a fan of the TDOD FB page at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/TDOD2012"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.facebook.com/#!/TDOD2012</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">And
most of all The Official TDOD Back Story Blog<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><a href="http://tdod.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://tdod.wordpress.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">To
any and all that stop by feel free to ask anything you wish! It would be an
honor to answer any and all questions, but most of all just to make some new
friends and fans!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tim Greaton:
Thanks for taking time with me today, Jeremy. It has been fascinating and fun
to spend time together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremy
Emling: I feel the same, Tim. I also want to thank your readers for hanging
out with us. I hope to see everyone again on my websites and on Twitter! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> <img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TcJ1OjK0L._SY320_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></span></o:p></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-35279745712055424962013-03-20T16:42:00.000-07:002013-03-20T16:42:17.933-07:00Interview with spiritual author Barbara Garro....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU78U0n0U5WyKFkjwIzJElVjgPwEM8P6dKN6d46xbbEwdUELnL5YPlMbtm57atkppNDEXTcCcVyCbUTXp9t41scwsdYG5pdIX-MclhgU44Bc6AS47cOrC6MO8tu93XYJjbWD-Qed9xBzcf/s1600/comfort+of+the+shepherd+JPG+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU78U0n0U5WyKFkjwIzJElVjgPwEM8P6dKN6d46xbbEwdUELnL5YPlMbtm57atkppNDEXTcCcVyCbUTXp9t41scwsdYG5pdIX-MclhgU44Bc6AS47cOrC6MO8tu93XYJjbWD-Qed9xBzcf/s320/comfort+of+the+shepherd+JPG+x+250.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_e3coJZK3m1k3qN3UeRnq3l0e_jizPwrd2EmWiwSBhJL6SG5Iu4BZ7Dmiv2I5LokO7Vhu0otKkgn-Q5VnTc5zmB2zB2fET7mLnalVcsImJQNt76TERg6DzuVx5OO_2l8ZZqLczQzOy7E/s1600/Barbara+Garro+JPG+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_e3coJZK3m1k3qN3UeRnq3l0e_jizPwrd2EmWiwSBhJL6SG5Iu4BZ7Dmiv2I5LokO7Vhu0otKkgn-Q5VnTc5zmB2zB2fET7mLnalVcsImJQNt76TERg6DzuVx5OO_2l8ZZqLczQzOy7E/s320/Barbara+Garro+JPG+x+250.jpg" width="241" /></span></a></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara Garro is
in the forum today to talk about her spiritual books and the fascinating and full
life behind them. Please have a seat and join me in my discussion with this natural storyteller.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: It’s
great to have you here, Barbara. I know you have lived a full professional
life. Could you tell us a little about your career before writing?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: First, I had to make money to support my art, so as a teen, I went up
the ranks in the corporate world, eventually became the Director of Risk
& Insurance Management for Comcast Corporation in PA. Then, I had a
life-altering accident and became the writer, producer and actor of “The
Mother Goose & Gander Show” for children from 3-8, which ran up and down
New York State during the 1990s and still runs in some markets. Altogether, I
have had nine careers with the credentials to support them. For Risk
Management, I have my Chartered Property & Casualty Designation. For my
Personal and Business Coaching, I have completed Coach University’s Two-Year
Corporate Coaching Program and Coach Training Institute’s Personal Coach
Training Program. As an actress and singer, I have been trained by various
singing coaches and for singing and acting by Joe Balfior who started The New
York State Theatre Institute out of Troy, New York. For fine art, I have been
taught by Master Artists Morris Blackburn at the Philadelphia Art Museum and
Tom Vincent of New York City. I have my Master of Arts in Liberal Studies,
and wrote my thesis on how children learn. I also create exciting sculpture,
training currently under Patrice Mastrianni in Saratoga Springs, New York. I
am also a professional storyteller and have been a Liturgical Minister
teaching the Liturgy to children for over 40 years and still do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: Wow.
I’m tired just thinking about it. I know you work just as hard on
your current writing career, too. Have you always been so self-motivated?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: At five, I got picked up by the Police for soliciting on the street
with my three-year old friend, Rosenn, the first and only time. When
television was first coming into homes, I saw a beggar with a tin cup getting
money from people. I had a tin cup, so I and my three-year old friend went up
on Broadway in Camden, New Jersey, and said to passersby “Pennies, Pennies.”
One lady asked me if it would be okay to give me a quarter. I couldn’t figure
out how to divide a quarter in half, so I told Rosanne, I would give her an
extra penny. I put one of the dimes we got into the gumball machine in
Hurley’s Furniture Store and only one gumball came out. I complained. The
clerk told me the machine did not know the difference between a penny and a
dime and no, she would not open the machine and give me my dime back or nine
more gumballs. After we left Hurley’s, a Police Car stopped and asked me if I
knew where I lived. I told him I did and he told us to get in the car, he was
taking us home. My mother sat me down and told me that, even though I saw a
beggar on television begging on the street, it was not something nice little
girls did and never to do it again. And, she took all the money in the tin
cup, too. My friend’s mother came over and asked my mother if she had beaten
me for doing such an awful thing. My mother said she had not, that I did not
know I was doing anything wrong and we don’t beat our children. She had given
Roseann an awful beating with the strap and told my mother she did not want
to play with Roseann ever again. As a creative and curious kid, I had the
perfect parents who taught me right from wrong and explained why something I
did was wrong the first time I did it. Mother didn’t raise a fool, so I
rarely did the same wrong thing again. Let’s just say I kept my parents and
the angels on their toes the whole time I was growing up and as long as they
lived. Anything I asked my parents about, they gave me information. Anything
I asked my parents to help me do, they helped me. I learned to jump rope,
ride a bicycle and do the Charleston by four, build a dinosaur at eight, tap
dance and ballet at eight. Also at eight, I wrote my autobiography, albeit it
was short. As a curious child with lots of freedom, I would go into the woods
and see how things grew, how the animals lived, visit, feed the horses that
lived on our Main Street in Maple Shade, New Jersey and ride horses when I
got the chance. Once, I walked under the street through the sewer pipe to see
where it went, and occasionally wander through neighbors houses who left
their doors open-never got caught either. I saw a lot and did a lot, because
I loved being outside, still do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: It
sounds like you had a fascinating childhood and amazing parents. How have
they influenced you over the years?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: As a beautifully loved child within loving paternal and maternal large
families, lots of people influenced me as a child, took exciting interest in
me and everything I did and wanted to do. My parents probably influenced me
the most, my father a successful entrepreneur who told me, “Babe, you can do
anything you want to do.” At four, my mother sent me to the supermarket to
buy Red Heart canned dog food at the supermarket several blocks away. I
walked the wrong way on Broadway and finally realized it and turned around,
found the supermarket, got the dog food and went home. My mother simply asked
me what took me so long and I told her. At eight, I needed weekly allergy
shots in Camden, a long bus from Maple Shade that was several big city blocks
from the bus stop. I was really worried that I would not get off at the right
stop, not be able to find the doctor’s office and not be able to find my way
back to the bus. Yet, I did it all and both my other and I were really proud
of me. My father owned a large service station and at eight it was my job to
write up and sent all the reminders of service due on their vehicles each
month. My mother, because my father worked long hours mostly seven days a
week, taught me how to do carpentry, garden, paint, wallpaper, knit, crochet,
cook, bake and create the most amazing arts and crafts. Both of my parents
could draw well, just came natural. My father sang opera whenever he was home
and could play by ear any instrument that he took in his hands. My mother and
father were literary people and my mother recited the famous poets’ poems to
me as a toddler and into my teens. My mother had an extensive library of the
arts and the Master Painters and Writers influenced me greatly from before I
could even read. I would draw, copying the masters whenever I was sick in
bed, which was a lot, since I had asthma and allergies until puberty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1594318476/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link"><img alt="From Jesus to Heaven With Love: A Parable Pilgrimage" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BDY-OvLjL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: It
seems you had a true renaissance family. Have those various interests stayed
with you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Like my parents, I can do many things and love working with both my
hands and my mind. So, I am also a fine artist doing shows, commissions and
winning awards. I am also a trained actress who has written, acted with a
vent, Gander and several other puppets, half-hour cable television shows: The
Mother Goose & Gander Show and God’s Neighborhood, for children 5-8,
which still play in some venues. My garden is beautiful. I decided here and
there over the years that I liked making and painting sculptures, so I use
what I create for all the gifts I need to give. I listen almost exclusively
to classical music at home and in the car, so I also create paintings that
commemorate the Master Composers. I am an incessant non-fiction reader,
researching all kinds of things that interest me. For example, I read poetry
every morning while I drink my tea. I love going to yard, estate sales and
going into antique shops and looking at antique catalogs, some of which I use
to get ideas for Egyptian sculpture. For example, I drink my morning tea out of
a cobalt blue cup that has the Eye of Horus on one side and a flying bird on
the other. Of course, I love dance, studied ballroom dancing. I also love
singing, am in the Resurrection Choir and have fulfilled one of my Bucket
List dreams by singing on stage by myself with a band behind me. As a paid
actress, I have been the Campbell Soup Girl at a huge event the company held
at its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. As a volunteer actress, I tell
stories in public, depict various women in the Bible for Christian groups.
And I do keynote speeches to help people communicate better using my
Character Architectural Technology which has the U.S. Patent & Trademark
Registered Mark. I also teach at high school continuing education every
spring and fall: Honing Your Intuition to Grow Yourself a Life You’ll Love;
It’s Not Your Fault You’re Fat; Solving People Problems without Losing
Yourself; and Grow Yourself a Relationship with Jesus You’ll Love. Giving
back, I volunteer monthly at Mary’s Haven, a Home for the Dying, Lector at my
church, sing in the Resurrection Choir, and teach the Children’s Liturgy
monthly, something I have been doing for over 40 years. I also volunteer at
the oldest continually operating Coffee House, Caffe Lena in Saratoga
Springs, NY and volunteer at our Film Form.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton:
What kinds of books do you read? Are they in the same genres in which you
write?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Yes, definitely. I have been a syndicated business columnist for over
twenty years that is published in all fifty states and twenty-four foreign
countries, so I keep up with the latest business book and interview authors
whose work interests me. As a writer and teacher of fine art, poetry and
writing as well as line-editor, I read non-fiction books, especially fine art
and poetry. I study extensively religious writing, attend religion classes at
Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, read Joseph Girzone’s religious fiction
books, Bibles of all stripes, lives of the saints, Judaism and other
religions. I also write and read self-help books. I read humor books.
Occasionally, I read Richard Paul Evans fiction and other intriguing authors.
Another subject that intrigues me is paranormal subjects, dream analysis,
psychology, messages from the other side, and near-death experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
There was a place from your past that you’ll always remember. Could you tell
us about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Sedona, Arizona is the place that is one of the ten best life
experiences for so many reasons. It influences my belief that I can do
anything I set my mind to do. So, I will share a story that brings that
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, I learned about vortexes,
magical energy places somehow connected, building on my belief that here is
not all there is. I remember doing the vortex tour with my friend, Mae, who
was about 300+ pounds in a wheel chair. It never occurred to me that Mae in a
wheel chair could not go on the tour. I just proceeded that it was all
perfectly a perfectly normal activity for a woman in her condition. For her,
the experience was one of the ten best experiences in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tour Guide and I pushed her in her
wheel chair partly up a hill over sand, so that she could be close to one of
the vortexes and also in the shade. The other people in the tour bus were
just amazed at what we were doing. While she stayed safely there, I went to
the edge of the Grand Canyon and meditated for about 45 minutes, one of the
most fascinating experiences I ever had. Being in spirit with the Grand
Canyon was an amazing journey for me. I can still see it, still take myself
there, still feel the heat on my head and back, still mesmerized by the
wonder God made. This experience influences my life by showing me what else
is possible; that I live in a world of miracles and fascination and takes me
full circle to what my Pop told me as a little kid, “Babe, you can do
anything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how I keep reinventing
myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: These
days, you receive a lot of affirming comments about your work. Has it always
been like that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: From the time I was fourteen, teachers, professors, magazine and book
publishers, and readers have all told me I am a good writer and that they can
see from my writing how well-read I am. People also tell me that my writing
is evergreen, clear, concise and gives them unique ways of looking at things
that they find helpful and refer to often. One woman just came up to me to
tell me how much she uses the concepts in my book and how it changed her life
and keeps changing it for the better. Many people have told me that they keep
my first book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grow Yourself a Life
You’ll Love</i> right next to their bed so that they can refer to it often.
Another thing several people appreciate is that I make them co-authors, not
telling them what to think, but encouraging them to think about their lives
and where they are going with them. Therefore, I write heuristic books that
help them come to their own conclusions. My second book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From Jesus to Heaven with Love: A Parable Pilgrimage</i> was
nominated in 2011 for an EPIC Award in its Non-Fiction Category. My third
book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Comfort of the Shepherd:
Parable Prayer and Meditation</i> will be entered in May. The fourth book,
third in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus</i> series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living the Call of God</i>, will be
published in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: So
what can we expect in the future?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Three published books readily available on Amazon and various other
Internet sites, in book stores, from the publisher
http://www.CambridgeBooks.us currently. There is as third book in my
religious series that the publisher has agreed to publish in 2013. Another
publisher has agreed to publish two of my poetry books, but there have been
delays. Currently, in my alphabetical poetry file, I have about 1,000 poems,
separated into five books, some close to 300 pages. I have completed all the
research (about two feet high) for my weight management book that is ready to
be written when I get the time after I have found a publisher. The research
is also completed to write <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">CHILL: Using
I.C.E. to Keep Your Relationships COOL!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>as soon as I find a publisher. I have done all the research to write a
book about my father, again when I can carve out the time after I find a
publisher interested.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: As
a teenager, you had a unique police experience. Could you tell us about that?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: At nineteen, I was hugely naïve out of a protected Sicilian family. At
a sports bar at a Super Bowl party on a Sunday, a detective I had met before
said it was really noisy at the bar and invited me to his place. When he
pulled up to a hotel, I thought it was strange that he lived in a hotel, but
I still went with him. When we got up to his “apartment,” it looked like a
big bedroom (I had never been to or stayed at a hotel) with some chairs. On
the dresser was a silver container with a bottle of champagne over ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took off his gun, put it on the table
and went into the bathroom. I picked up the gun and had it pointed directly
at him when he came out of the bathroom as a joke. Obviously nervous, sweat
beading on his forehead, he stuttered slowly, “Barbara, that gggggun hhhhhas
a hhhhhair ttttttrigger. Ppppplease ppppput it ddddddown.” “Okay,” I said.
Immediately, he took me home and I never saw him again. Looking back, I
believe the angels were looking out for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
You’re so upbeat, Barbara, that it might come as a surprise to a lot of
people to hear some of your challenges. Do you have any examples for us?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: I have had way too many near-death experiences, health and otherwise.
There was the time my husband I was divorcing pulled a knife on me when the
children and I were leaving a “friend’s’” house and demanded I take him
somewhere in my car. We were in South Philadelphia, and I screamed my head
off and the guys came out from everywhere, got him off me and let me speed
away unharmed. The children still remember this. And “friends’” is in quotes,
because they set me up, thinking they were helping us get back together. I
never spoke with them again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: I
have quite a few friends who do standup comedy. It still amazes me that you
have also tackled that field…and did okay. What was that like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Funny, is easy. I took stand-up comedy and the teacher booked us into
night clubs in our city immediately after the class and there we were out
there for all to see, newbies on stage. People still remember me doing
standup, keep asking me where they can see me again. One time, one woman even
asked me in the Ladies’ Room and all the women there were looking and
smiling. Actually, people do not realize how long it takes to write, practice
and get ready to do a five, ten, or fifteen routine. Women have also been
known to ask me in the Ladies’ Room, “Aren’t you Mother Goose?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
Who was the most memorable person you ever came across? Would you ever write
a book about him or her?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Hands down, my former husband, the children’s father, was the
strangest character I ever met in my life. He wasn’t a pretty picture as I
learned more and more in eight years of marriage. Would I ever consider
basing a book on him? It wasn’t a lot of fun for me. Why would I want to
inflict his strangeness on readers? Maybe that is why I don’t write fiction,
because my mind doesn’t go that way. I am all about non-fiction, what is
real. All the strange, memorable characters I have ever met are permanently
memorialized in my poetry, funny, strange and even scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t write fiction, except children’s
stories occasionally, and even these tend to be factual, helping children
learn how to take care of various animals, how to adopt a puppy. There is one
about a dragon who eats churches that is looking for a publisher, but I made
everyone up, not really imitating anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: You
obviously have a strong sense of spirituality. Does that come from books?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible</i> is the one, still
read it, still study it, write books about it, go to college courses to learn
more and grow more and more in love with my God and the saints. Rumi, the
poet, is next, read him every morning with my tea, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rumi: The Big Red Book</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I read many poets, mostly the classic poets. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Illusions</i> by Richard Bach is another. All of Joseph Girzone’s
Joshua books. All of Richard Paul Evans’ books. I read incessantly and I
could probably name dozens of books if I had the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton: You
have a set process for writing. Could you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: My system is the same for every book. Research, research, research.
Collect, collect, collect. Write, write, write ideas. Then create the chapter
outline for the book. Next, take, usually two feet of this stuff fine it in
the chapter folder for each chapter and write the book out of the system,
chapter by chapter. While I am working on a book, it is ever on my mind and
everything I read, see, go to, hear is fodder for the book and I am
constantly making notes and filing them into the chapters. For articles, the
system is basically the same, except I write out of what I have collected.
May sound boring, but four books later and counting, an internationally published
writer for over forty years, it works. Everything I am writing or intend to
write is always on my mind and I collect and collect and collect. I keep
putting things into my weight management book chapters all the time, write
poetry for my Saratoga Poetry and Song Focus Group for critique that has met
monthly for over 20 years. Sometimes, I write thirty poems a month, but not a
month goes by when I have not written poetry. I also write songs
occasionally; then, a period will come when I am in song-writing mode. My
song Magic Night Music is the lead song on Australian singer/songwriter
Margie Ward’s album of the same title. She has promised to do a full album of
all Barbara Garro songs in the future. For songs, the system is different.
Words will just come and haunt me into life. Then, the music will come. How
Magic Night Music became a reality was by sending an email to Margie with the
words and then calling Australia and singing the song to her, so she could
write the music. What a beautiful rendition of the song she did. She is so
gifted, her voice has the clarity of a bell and her music is enchanting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: I am the writer and I do the writing, working with my publisher.
Rarely do I go over things with others for my books, songs and articles.
Interesting, every magazine publisher I have ever worked with nationally and
internationally publishes my work the way I write it. My books, too, are
basically published as I write them. I may run a concept or two by my trusted
friends, but nobody reads my work before it goes to the publisher. I do write
with much care and thought and I believe it shows. That being said, for my
poetry, I have had my body of work gone through by professional editors
twice. I run The Saratoga Poetry & Song Focus Group that I have run
consistently for over 21 years every month and I facilitate this critique
group that meets for three hours and hosts up to six poets and/or
songwriters. So, there is much feedback and my poetry has been edited. In
fact, it is really hard for me to re-type a poem without tweaking it a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton:
Which author do you model your work after?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: For my religious books, I use St. Anthony’s writing style that is
clear for all readers, the words of Jesus Christ, Psalms, Proverbs, the
stories of the Old Testament as well as Barbara Garro. For articles and other
non-fiction books, I write like Barbara Garro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For poetry, Rumi, hands down is a wonderful
mentor to me from whom so much inspiration comes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton:
Do you think of yourself as a particular type of writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: My goal in all my writing is to in an entertaining way enable people
to grow mentally and spiritually from where they are, using St. Anthony’s
writing style. As a non-fiction writer, poet, columnist, and blogger with the
Garro Talk Art Newsletter on my website: http://www.BarbaraGarro.com, I am a
clear, concise, cut-to-the-chase writer, with the most innovative, up to date
information possible, relying on statistics for great clarity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Could
you tell us about your most recent book release?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: In wanting to understand Jesus better, I did the research and work to
help myself do that and write the first book in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus</i> series titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From
Jesus to Heaven with Love: A Parable Pilgrimage</i>. After that, it was a
natural progression to help people learn to pray and meditate to grow
themselves spiritually, so I wrote <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Comfort of the Shepherd: Parable Prayer and Meditation</i>. The next book in
the series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living the Call of God</i>,
like the second one is a natural progression and will deal with how to serve
as Jesus asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
What led you to focus on this series of books?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: As a Liturgical Minister teaching The Liturgy of the Word for
Children, I felt I would like to make my Christian faith easier to understand
for believers of all ages over twelve. What a journey I am on, how gratifying
a journey it has been. Somehow, I know that this beautiful journey will not
end in my lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
Will there be sequels after you next book?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: After the third book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living the
Call of God</i> is published in 2013, I am re-evaluating my body of work to
see where it behooves me to go next. Still, niggling in the back of my mind
and forward at times is an idea to write children’s religious books about the
Christian faith. I probably will stay in the five to eight age group that I
have been serving for over forty years, although younger and older children
have experienced my teaching. For example, when I teach the Liturgy of the
Word for Children during Mass, parents, toddlers and grade school children
come and we may have 20-70 children in the room. It all works. The children
love it when they don’t have an answer to a question and I say, “Do you want
me to ask the grown-ups?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
Which part of your books are the biggest challenge to write?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: The most difficult part of each of the Jesus’ books is the section: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Message from Jesus</i>.” Getting myself
into the place where I could speak as Jesus took meditation, prayer and
concentration. The most help in this regard came from my many years on the
Guidepost Our Prayer live prayer line. The people who call are not calling
me, they are calling God, and I am trained to be the messenger from the
prayer line callers to God and back, keeping myself, my opinions, advice out
of the way. So many times, callers have told me that I said things in the
response to them that I had no way of knowing and what I had said was the
perfect thing for them to hear to help. I always respond to these kinds of
responses, “God knows and responds to your needs.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
After writing each book, do you ever wish you could change things?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Once I write a book, the journey is over. I work really hard not to
waste my time busying myself with the impossible, anything over which I have
no control. That being said, I have a publisher interested in an updated
version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grow Yourself a Life You’ll
Love</i>. Myself, my work, and my teaching has evolved since 2000 when the
book came out. An update that speaks to that and the myriad of changes in our
society in the last 24 years since I penned the book is desirable and most
appropriate. Just need to find the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
If you were going to throw a party based on one of your books, what would it
be like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: The theme would be a costume party of the Thirty-Three parables of
Jesus in the three books in my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus</i>
series. I would come as on a wheeled float as a Treasure in a Field,
bejeweled and gorgeous, waiving, and my wheeled float would be able to motor
around the room where we are having the party, so it would need to be a big
ball room. The food would be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bible</i>-themed,
foods from Jesus’s time, great breads and dips, fresh and luscious fruits and
vegetables, lots of nuts, cakes, candies, and a roasted PIG! Because roasted
pigs are delicious and I am not Jewish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: http://www.ElectricEnvisions.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.BarbaraGarro.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I
am Barbara Garro on both Facebook and Twitter and WriterBarbaraGarro on
Lunch.com and have two communities, also have a Word Press Blog for my
writing and poetry and art.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Tim Greaton:
Thanks for taking the time with us today, Barbara. I’m sure a lot of readers
will be seeking your brand of spirituality after they finish reading our
interview.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara
Garro: Tim, I can’t tell you how much fun I have had today. I am so grateful
for your thoughtful questions. I’d love to have you at my party—next
milestone is 75. I know how much I love to read real people’s stories, and I
hope I’ve inspired others to write their own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-39904609385410953742013-03-19T15:50:00.001-07:002013-03-19T15:50:41.322-07:00Interview with author P.L. Blair about her Portals fantasy series....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: background1;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWItSoZp9Cy3H5BXGLPszacFoPtmHJiKpLZDB6ZB52giRWAym-7rroVJZ9LDUtoljJ5csSikthZ0LGnCUb2xvxgylFFDnw-txsMOFcHRJbuKe8CD1K7D4MMjEN3K3OM4iQDNAvo-hQMR/s1600/Stormcaller+JPG+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWItSoZp9Cy3H5BXGLPszacFoPtmHJiKpLZDB6ZB52giRWAym-7rroVJZ9LDUtoljJ5csSikthZ0LGnCUb2xvxgylFFDnw-txsMOFcHRJbuKe8CD1K7D4MMjEN3K3OM4iQDNAvo-hQMR/s320/Stormcaller+JPG+x+250.jpg" width="205" /></a> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawpIl2f66a9HeckzeZaPUDoGWeP18IiQ7OzEgddBjdWHHS1luzdtyg17PvdDhzDYN_Y-lTHfVwlljLgOwZFKMheiAREt5XR2cFdBoJvOtkByOT0hHx06rChA3pyS0n5PtKdfS08e5vn92/s1600/Pat+Blair+JPG+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawpIl2f66a9HeckzeZaPUDoGWeP18IiQ7OzEgddBjdWHHS1luzdtyg17PvdDhzDYN_Y-lTHfVwlljLgOwZFKMheiAREt5XR2cFdBoJvOtkByOT0hHx06rChA3pyS0n5PtKdfS08e5vn92/s320/Pat+Blair+JPG+x+250.jpg" width="213" /></a></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;">Today,
P.L. Blair joins us in the forum. She’s here to talk about her fabulous <em>Portals
</em> fantasy series, in which there are already four books. We've got a lot of ground to cover, so we better
get started </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: It’s great to have you here, P.L. You and I have been hanging around
the same writers’ circles for several years, and I know a lot of our common
friends have known you even longer than I have. You must have a long
background the literary world?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I've never really had a non-writing background. I decided early on –
around age 7 or 8 – that I wanted to write books when I “grew up” (whenever
that will be). Then around junior high school age, I figured I really needed
to do something that would earn money, so I started writing for the school
newspaper, took journalism classes in high school and college and graduated
with associate's and bachelor's degrees in journalism. Then I started writing
for newspapers – and still do, occasionally, but it's no longer a full-time
job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: I have to believe that someone was behind your young literary
interest. Am I right? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: One of the most influential people in my life was my grandfather. I
was raised by my grandparents, and Daddy – my maternal grandfather – taught
me to read by reading to me. I can still remember sitting in Daddy's lap
while he read stories to me about Uncle Wiggly (one of my favorite childhood
literary characters) or the Pokey Little Puppy. Besides teaching me to read,
those sessions were a wonderful bonding experience, and I really wish more parents
had time – or would take the time – to read to their kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">From
Daddy, I learned about the wonderful, awesome worlds that books open. And I
guess part of the reason I became a writer was because I loved the stories so
much – and could never get enough of them – so it just seemed natural to me
that I create my own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: What do you do when you’re not creating books? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I do have a few interests other than writing. I love history,
paleontology, geology. I read every book on those subjects that I can get my
hands on. I paint occasionally – nothing spectacular, but I enjoy doing
landscapes and seascapes. Probably because I have animals, I prefer acrylics
to oils – it's easier to clean up spills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm
also horse-crazy – have been since I was a kid. These days, I research American
Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred pedigrees as a hobby.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: You mentioned that you have pets. Could you tell us about them? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I love dogs and cats – have three of the former and one of the latter.
All are rescues – a basset hound, a dachshund, a part-Jack Russell terrier
(aka the jackrabbit terror) and a tortoiseshell cat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: When you’re not chasing your furry friends around the house, what genres
do you read?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I read a lot of fantasy and detective novels (my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i> books are a blend of those two genres). But my reading
tends to be eclectic – everything from biographies to romances, depending on
what strikes my fancy at any given time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: What comment about your novels makes you smile the most? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I love when readers from Corpus Christi, Texas – the setting for my
books – tell me that they recognize places based on my descriptions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: You seem to have gathered an unusual audience for a genre writer.
Could you explain what I mean? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: A lot of my readers say they don't like fantasy or detective novels –
then they tell me that they like my books. I think maybe it's because my
books are set in modern day, and I try to ground them in as much reality as
possible. There is magic, of course, but I've established rules by which it
operates. I kind of have a theory that, the more “far out” or impossible
something sounds – such as magic – the more it needs to “sound” plausible. I
think if I want my tales to be believable, I've got to give my readers a
basis for belief.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I
also like to make my stories fun. The subject is serious – I write about
murderers, after all – but I try to inject humor where I can between my
characters. I try to keep them real by giving them little idiosyncrasies …
Kat tosses her trash in the back seat of her car, for example, and Tevis
won't drive a car because he views them as 2,000-pound projectiles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: Do you have a lot of past works stacked up and waiting to be
finished? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I do have a “couple” of projects that I've put on hold – half-formed
ideas … books that I've put aside so I can focus on my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i> books … I don't know if I'll go back to them. They
haven't called to me yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: You have a fearless nature about you. Have you always been that way?
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: Well … There was the time I stopped a Rose Parade in my hometown
Tyler, Texas. I was 5 years old and crazy about horses – still am, for that matter.
Every year, Tyler has a Rose Festival, with a parade as part of the
celebration. Mother took me, but we were way back in the crowd – so I slipped
away from her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother
said just about the time she noticed I was missing, she heard people in front
of her laughing. She worked her way up until she could ask someone what was
going on. And the woman she asked said there was this little blond-haired
girl running out and stopping the mounted units by petting the horses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure
enough … That was me (she grins).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81OVFrOw95L._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513FvKYsiXL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: What books have you read that truly impacted your life? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: A couple of books, actually. I read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> when I was around 9 or 10, and
immediately fell in love with Sherlock Holmes and – from there – the
mystery/detective genre. I devoured every Sherlock Holmes book I could find,
then went on to books by Dorothy Sayers, Rex Stout, Agatha Christie …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
other book, of course – actually, books – is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord of the Rings</i>, which I discovered in high school. I'd been
reading fantasy and science fiction since childhood, but Tolkien's epic
cemented my love of the genre. More than that, it made me want to write
stories about elves and wizards and magic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: So what does your final manuscript preparation process look like? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I rely to some degree on my own instincts – but I do have beta
readers, including my publisher – who was a friend and a reader before she
asked to publish my books. One of my sisters, who still lives in Texas (in
Rockport, a little city just north of Corpus Christi), also reads my
manuscripts, not only for content but to “fact-check” the locations I mention
in the series. (As in, “You can't have that happen on Everhart Street,
because Everhart doesn't intersect with that street.”)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: Everyone should have one of those sisters, P.L.! Now that we’re
talking about your books, is there one or more authors who you try to model
your work after? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: It's kind of funny. I can't think offhand of anyone in particular. But
a while back, I submitted a sample from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sister
Hoods</i>, my most recent <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals </i>novel,
to an online site that compares your writing to that of famous writers. The
answer came back that I write like Ernest Hemingway. I honestly don't see it,
but it's very flattering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: I tried the same site I think, P.L. Do you remember an author by the
name of Elmer Fudd? No. Neither did I. Hmmm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, if
you had to put a label on your writing, what would it be? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: At heart, I'm really a storyteller. It's just that I tell my stories
in writing. I love words – I think<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>most writers do; that's part of why we become writers – but what I
really love is using words to shape my tales. I want my writers to forget
about me, the author, while they're reading. I write from third-person POV,
and my goal is to stay “in character” while I'm writing. I try to not have an
“author's voice,” but rather to speak through the voice of my POV character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: I also prefer a tight point-of-view, P.L., and obviously your fans
do as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking
of your fans, I’m sure they’re waiting to hear us talk about your series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals.</i> I especially love the evil
eyes in the backdrop of your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deathtalker</i>
cover. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61k1Po8ntPL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deathtalker </i>is book 3 in my
Portals series. The plot pits my main characters (Corpus Christi, Texas,
police detectives Kat Morales and Tevis Mac Leod) against a serial killer
like none they've met before: a creature who uses magic to convince his
victims – young, beautiful women with a noticeable resemblance to Kat – to
kill themselves so he can absorb their life force into his own.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: What led you to move in this direction with your series? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: All of my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i> tales are
based on the premise that the creatures of our mythology and legends actually
exist in the parallel world – the Realms of Magic – that exists on the other
side of the gateways (the “Portals” of my series title) that separate our two
worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">My
concept is that the Portals were open from earliest times, so our ancestors
actually encountered wizards, elves, ogres, trolls, dragons … all of these
beings. Then, maybe a thousand or so years ago, the Portals were closed – but
now they're open again, and the Realms' inhabitants are returning to our
world and bringing their magic with them – for good and bad. (Tevis, for
example, is an elf, and his and Kat's allies include a wizard.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">As
part of my “research,” I often read (or reread) collections of folk and fairy
tales and mythology, and one of my favorite books is a compilation by W.B.
Yates of Irish folktales. This time, the story of the lovetalker grabbed my
attention. The lovetalker was a handsome youth – related to the leprechaun –
who wandered the Irish countryside seducing young women. After spending some
time with a girl, the lovetalker would leave her – and she inevitably would
pine away and die of a broken heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I
started to think about the lovetalker in terms of a serial killer – not a
careless youth who didn't care about the results of his dalliance, but a
deliberate murderer whose goal was to steal the life of his victim, to take
it for himself. I got to thinking about the lovetalker as a kind of psychic
vampire – a “deathtalker” – which is the name Tevis gives him in the book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: You have four books out now (at least I can see four listed at
Amazon). Will the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i> series be
growing any further? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sister Hoods</i> is the fourth
book in the series. Beyond that, I'm always playing with new story ideas. I
have a couple of older manuscripts that my publisher's interested in, so we’ll
see which makes it to market next. Either way, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i> will continue because …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Well,
there are so many creatures out there in our myths and folk tales – and I do
enjoy pulling them into my stories and giving a little bit of a tweak to what
we think we know about them. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shadow
Path</i>, for example, I introduce pixies – and they're nothing like Tinker
Bell!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
villain in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stormcaller</i> – book 2 in
my series – is Tlaloc, a creature worshiped by the Aztecs as a god of storms
and virulent diseases (such as tuberculosis and leprosy). Tlaloc has returned
to the human world – our world – with an impossible demand: Restore his
worship as in times past, complete with human sacrifice, or he will send a
hurricane to wipe out the Texas coast. Stormcaller also gave me the chance to
poke around on the other side of the Portals, since Kat, Tevis and their
allies discover they can only defeat Tlaloc in the Realms of Magic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Sister Hoods</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">, book 4, starts
with a band of nymphs (from Greek mythology) and satyrs robbing a bank in
Rockport, Texas – a small town north of Corpus Christi. But Kat and Tevis
soon learn they're dealing with more than a simple bank robbery – and there
are a conclave of evil wizards and a wyvern involved ...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">In
book 5, which is currently in the works, I go back to Ireland for a story
involving leprechauns – and they're not the cute greeting-card little men in
green either …<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
supply of potential villains and plots seems endless, and lately I've been
thinking it would be fun to plunk a dragon onto Cloud Peak, a mountain in the
Bighorns near Sheridan, Wyoming, where I'm currently living.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: Having written a couple of series myself, I know that sometimes it
would be nice to be able to go back and tweak a few details to better suit
the new stories. How do you handle that? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I always want to change something but all we can do is make each book
as deep as possible, allowing for future stories to be told. That’s one of
the reasons that, when I revised <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sister
Hoods</i>, I delved a bit more into the relationship between Kat and Tevis. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: I often joke that authors here on the forum will live past 125 years.
What’s your answer to that? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: I don't intend to go out until I'm at least 130 – and I will be found
face-down on my keyboard having typed “the end” to my most recent book!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: And what would your epitaph read? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: She Enjoyed Dancing in the Rain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">That's
taken from a line I found – seriously, though incredibly – on a plaque on the
wall of Dairy Queen in Rockport, Texas: Life isn't about waiting out the
storm. It's about learning to dance in the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">On
the other hand, given me, what's most likely to be on my tombstone – because
these are the words I most frequently mutter under my breath these days – is:
It's Too Soon to Panic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm
not sure that could be called my motto. It's more like my daily mantra.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My website is </span><a href="http://www.plblairportals.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.plblairportals.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and
you can access my blog by clicking above the photo of me and my gorgeous
basset hound, Shilo. There's a link there to my publisher's site – or you can
go directly to </span><a href="http://www.studiosee.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.studiosee.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
– and read samples from (and buy) my books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm
also on Twitter @plblairportals … and on Facebook as Pat Blair (with an
author's page at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/PL-Blair/170370356378877?sk=wall"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/PL-Blair/170370356378877?sk=wall</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I
also have an author's page on Amazon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">On
a more personal level, I love to hear from readers, so anyone who wants to
visit with me – feel free to email me at plblair47@hotmail.com.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">You
can also view trailers for all four of my books on YouTube. The trailers, by
the way, were done by a very talented lady named Su Halfwerk. I think she did
a great job!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #d99694; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #D99694; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: P.L., thanks for taking the time with us. I’m guessing keyboards are
already clicking in search of some great <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Portals</i>
books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.L.
Blair: Tim, I am delighted to have had this opportunity to visit with you and
everyone on your forum. You all have my thanks and appreciation for letting
me “ramble” on about the fantasy stories I love so much. I hope you'll visit
my website and blog as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <img alt="" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91%2BJjaDmzQL._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519Dv%2BgituL._SY300_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></o:p></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-36081622941744621632013-03-18T18:42:00.001-07:002013-03-18T21:00:38.957-07:00Interview with fantasy author Mike Bailey about his novel "What Have We Done? The Dragon Chronicles"....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Okay,
everyone. We’re in for a forum treat today, because Mike Bailey is about to
share his unique opinions about all things literature. He’s also going to be
talking about his first novel <em>What Have We Done? The Dragon Chronicles.</em></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Well, let’s get right into it, Mike. You have one of the most unique childhood
stories of any author I know. Could you explain to our readers what I mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: I ran away from home as a young
teenager, stylizing myself after the main character from a book I had read
called <em>My Side Of The Mountain</em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
several years I lived “off the land” in a very small town surrounded by many
miles of dairy farms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had complete
and total freedom and learned many life lessons, often the hard way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time I managed to stay in
school. While I did not finish high school at the time, I did go back and
continued on to obtain a college degree as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many years later, I re-read that book and
found that while my experiences were not much like those in the book, the
lessons learned were very similar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Other than your writing, you have an impressive list of hobbies that actually
generate income. How does that work?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: (he smiles) I do have many hobbies. I
am a spray paint artist (not a tagger) and often do live shows and exhibits
where I paint in front of people. Generally, artists in this genre paint on
posterboard, but I have been known to paint everything from bedroom ceilings
and walls, to cars, to snow boards, to motorcycle helmets to…well anything I
can get my hands on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m a tattoo artist and body piercer with over 25
years’ experience, and I specialize in custom fantasy style pieces. I
particularly love doing steampunk inspired pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My wife and I collect (and sell) all manner of
‘silent’ or bladed weaponry. We currently have a collection of several
hundred knives, swords, daggers, whips, axes, spears, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have also recently begun to delve into airbrush
painting although this is a brand new hobby for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Whew! It’s amazing that you find any time to write. What kinds of books do you
read?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: I haven’t had much time to read the
last few years but typically I stick to the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Isaac
Asimov and Edgar Rice Burrows are my favorite authors.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
It’s not surprising that with you being an artist people would find your
writing visual, but your readers say it goes beyond that. Could you explain
what I mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: I often hear that my writing is
progressive and enticing, almost erotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think I have heard so many similar comments because I do include
rather stimulating descriptions of romantic interactions between characters
in all of my writings. I’m a guy, what can I say? I write what I like. I do
try to make it non-offensive but I’m often told the scenes of that nature are
so realistically described that the reader can almost see it in front of
them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
A lot of us occasionally retrieve past works and try to fix them. You have a
different take on that, don’t you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I doubt any of my old projects will see the light of day in their
current forms. However, I do refer back to them from time to time to steal
ideas for current projects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
I’m a huge animal lover and find each of my pets has his or her own
personality. You had a dog named Gigabyte who was especially memorable. Could
you share a little about him?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Gigabyte is no longer with me, but he
was so full of character that you couldn’t help but love him instantly. He
was a miniature teacup Chihuahua that weighed 3.1 pounds, full grown, and
thought he was a pit bull. That might be because he was raised with a pit
bull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my first novel, <em>What Have We
Done? The Dragon Chronicles</em>, I used Gigabyte as inspiration for a character
named Cujo (yes, I know I stole the name from Steven King but I just loved
the irony).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Mike, is there a book that impacted your life in a HUGE way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Yes, several in fact. <em>The Martian
Tales</em> of Edgar Rice Burroughs, <em>Snowcrash</em> and <em>The Cat Who Walked Through
Walls</em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All amazing books that will
work readers’ imaginations in ways one cannot even dream.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Do you have a lot of help in prepping your books for an audience?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Many of my family/friends read my
manuscripts before publishing, and some of them help with editing
suggestions, but mostly I rely on my own instincts. I have studied grammar,
layout, etc… in detail and always edit and re-edit many times before
publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Rather than looking to books, you actually take inspiration from another
medium. Could you tell us what that is?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I try to model my writing after the great sci-fi movies: <em>Resident
Evil</em>, <em>Jurassic Park</em>, <em>Reign of Fire</em>, <em>Alien</em>, <em>Starship Troopers</em>, and such.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
I definitely loved <em>Reign of Fire</em>. Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale both
did a great job. Regarding your writing, what would you consider to be your
literary brand?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: I am definitely a
sci-fi/horror/fantasy writer, but I try to be more open-minded than that. I
write what I like: a little blood/guts, suspension of disbelief, some
eroticism. I try to include all of these things, even though some of the
content might traditionally be seen as offensive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Given your movie influences, could you make us a pitch for your latest book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: <em>What Have We Done? The Dragon
Chronicles</em>—think <em>Resident Evil</em> meets <em>Reign of Fire</em> with a little <em>Jurassic
Park</em> thrown in for spice. Basically, there is a secret underground lab
operated by a collaboration of shadow governments from all over the world.
The purpose is to create a creature from scratch that can live and travel in
outer space without the aid of a spaceship. The idea is for these creatures
to explore space for us. The project seems to be going well, friendships are
built, loves are grown, results are achieved, but how many times have seen
what happens when mankind’s arrogance goes unchecked? Have you ever looked
into the eyes of a caged wild animal? What about when that animal escapes?
What would you see in its eyes then?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
Sounds like a high concept that really would appeal to a movie studio. Will
there be sequels?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Yes, absolutely! I am currently
working on book two titled, <em>Dragon Bound: The Dragon Chronicles</em>, and I
ultimately envision it as a trilogy. I’m not ready to say too much, but be
ready for dragon riders!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
If James Cameron went ahead with the series, what kind of a monster would be
in the film, and who would take the starring roles?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: A dragon would be center screen, along
with the only two actresses on the planet, if the decisions were mine.
Angelina Jolie would take the role of Misha and Allison Scagliotti (of
<em>Warehouse 13</em> fame) would be SyAnne. Anyone familiar with these two beautiful
women will understand why they would be so good together, especially
considering the character’s love interest in the book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
So if James Cameron opened his impressive purse strings for your novel’s
advertising budget, how would you get the word out?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Sky writing in rainbow colors above
every major city, three times a day for a month.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tim Greaton:
I probably don’t have to ask this, but if any of your characters could appear
right now in your world, who would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey: Misha and SyAnne, definitely! As for
why (he grins) read the book and you’ll understand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Bailey:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMikeBailey">http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMikeBailey</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/baileyconsortium">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/baileyconsortium</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton:
Thanks for sharing some of your incredibly busy life with us—okay, I’m using
your real name now—Tiny. I always try to get everyone used to the full name
on my friend’s book covers, but if I shouted “Mike!” in a crowd, you wouldn’t
even turn around, would you? Anyway, regardless of which name we use,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect lots of fingers will be punching
keyboards to find <em>What Have We Done? The Dragon Chronicles</em> in just a few
minutes</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike “Tiny” Bailey: Tim, thank you for doing this
interview. Also, thank you, readers, for your time and interest. You are the
people that drive Tim and me to entertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s been a joy interacting with everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mike "Tiny" Bailey<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter - @Bconsortium<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook Fanpages - TnBCreations (spray paint art)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">- TattooedWhiteTrash (Tattoo Artists and Body
Piercers)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">- AuthorMikeBailey (Science Fiction Author)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Online Newspapers<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>- </u><a href="http://paper.li/bconsortium/books-blogs">http://paper.li/bconsortium/books-blogs</a></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Writing On The Wild Side)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-8212571349385864492013-03-17T12:41:00.000-07:002013-03-17T12:41:40.550-07:00Interview with author Kim Mullican about her novel Yoder's Farm....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Today, Kim
Mullican has joined us in the forum to talk about her Amish novel <em>Yoder’s
Farm</em> as well as a horrifying real childhood event and lots of other great
stuff. Let’s not keep her waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Hi,
Kim. It’s great to have you with us today. Now, some interviews start off
slower than others, but I absolutely have to jump right in and ask you why you
pause with a distant look in your eyes before talking about one particular relative?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: I was brought up on a farm where hard work was a way of life. I
always knew my grandfather was a little crazy, but when the FBI raided our
farm, I discovered just how crazy he was. He was hauled off in shackles. That
moment changed me forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: That
had to be shocking. But you’re close to your father, aren’t you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: My father is a dreamer. He always encouraged me to fight for what
you want and to reach for the stars. He’s now my biggest fan. He travels the
US talking about my books every chance he gets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B005LPTP4Q/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Taking Control" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41liCFBdL-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: In
the interest of digging up the juiciest stuff, what do you think our readers
would find most surprising about you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: I am an avid angler. My husband and I spent our honeymoon at a
state park in Southern Indiana and spent nearly every waking moment on the
boat fishing. While many women would cringe at the thought of smelling like
fish, having dirt under your nails and wearing no make-up at all, for me it
was the perfect honeymoon. My husband planned the perfect honeymoon for us as
a couple. It was great bonding time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m
also a compulsive baker, which my friends love, but my scale does not. I find
it comforting and therapeutic for some reason. I think it stems from growing
up poor and hungry. I’m always trying to feed people . . . sometimes against
their will. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: It’s
obvious that you are a strong person. Where do you think that comes from?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Growing up on a farm, I learned early on about hard work and work
ethic. You certainly could not skip feeding the animals or tending the
garden. If the zombie apocalypse ever happens, I will be able to survive off
the land, shoot with precision and fashion a bomb out of duct tape, peanuts
and a fuse. Okay, maybe the last part is more of a MacGyver fantasy, but you
get the point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B0084PTQRQ/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Losing Control" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bIpOutGCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: A
lot of us are guilty of stuffing failed projects into a drawer and revisiting
them every once in a while. That’s not true for you, though, is it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Oh no… I have no drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
something sucks, I trash it. I erase all evidence of it on my computer and
refuse to discuss it again. I prefer denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A good dose of denial can be healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton:
But you haven’t really destroyed every single past work, have you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: My book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Immortal Decision</i>
was the only one that made it out alive. I found it on a thumb drive I had
forgotten about. It was 180k words of … crap. I did still love the story, so
I completely rewrote it, starting from word one.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B006SP4S86/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Immortal Decision" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bWCMWWEFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton:
What would you say is your magic writing system?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my first two novels,
I was a pantster. I really did wing it, which led to a whole lot of editing,
and plot holes I had to fix (and hair pulling, and vodka consumption.) With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Losing Control, </i>I used my picture
window and a dry erase marker and plotted the whole thing out, making notes
along the way. It made a noticeable difference in the review process, though
our neighbors and visitors started calling me “beautiful mind.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I
still like to wing it, but I will be plotting at least main points from now
on, partially because it entertains me when the mailman tries to read my
window and doesn’t realize I’m sitting there. I’ve also grown quite talented
at drawing butts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
picture window and my dry erase marker are now very important tools in my
writing chest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I
hear that you rely a lot on beta readers. Is that true?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Oh my poor betas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my head
I curse at them as only a drunken sailor could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call them names, shake my fists, and vow
to find a computer hacker to raid their hard drives and sign them up for
midget porn. In reality, however, rather than stomping my feet like a
kindergartener, I always thank them and carefully consider their notes. Betas
are like gold and should be treated as such, just like our readers. (Is that
brown-nosey enough? XD)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Tim Greaton: Yep,
I do think that covers the brown-nosing quite well</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">A lot of
writers imagine themselves to be a particular author or imagine that they are
directors of a grand movie when they’re writing. You, however, have a much darker
view of your authorial self. Could you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Sure. I am a sadistic wench who likes to put my main characters
through hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure if you asked
them, they’d compare me to Hannibal Lector or David Koresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Tim Greaton: I
think that’s probably why your readers love you so much, Kim. I recently
blogged that tragedy is the secret to successful fiction. You seem to
understand that at a deep if not psychotic level</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">So what do you
have for us in the way of latest and new book release news?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoder’s Farm</i> is my latest,
though I’m about a month away from releasing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not My Daughter</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I’m
hoping you’ll return to discuss <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not My
Daughter</i>, but in the meantime, could you tell us about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoder’s Farm</i>?</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"></span></span></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B008Y0MMC2/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Yoder's Farm" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rQxicpwKL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Well, it’s by far my bestselling book, though it’s also a book that
has received a few 1-star reviews.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Okay,
to be honest, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoder’s Farm</i> has also
received seven 5-star reviews and two 4-star reviews. So what do you think
earned you those few low-rated reviews?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: It appears I’ve angered some folks by portraying the Amish in such a
negative light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, here is
the blurb: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">When
an Amish community is targeted by a murderer, they have no choice but to go
against tradition and call for help. The Amish are less than thrilled with the
FBI sends agents Lizbeth Dawson and Matt Silva to solve the case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The
agents arrive to find no evidence, a less than cooperative community and a
lack of women’s rights that sends Liz reeling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Frustrated
by the Amish and their secrecy, the agents are thrilled when a woman, Sarah,
who escaped the Amish way of life, comes to their aide. Sarah arrives with
more information than the agents can handle as they discover a circle of
violence that shocks the seasoned agents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">When
long held secrets are revealed, the motive is discovered, an entire community
is at risk, and so are the agents. The only question remains if they will
capture the killer, or if the killer will outsmart them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: The
story sounds fantastic, Kim. What led you to tell this particular tale?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As writers, we always
struggle to find a story that has not been told.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my books revolve around a serial
killer of some sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After researching
the Amish I discovered that they are not the quiet docile community one might
think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot of violence and
abuse that goes unnoticed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton:
And why do you think this novel has done even better than some of your
others?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: I was just lucky that Amish Mafia the television show was released
about the same time I released <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoder’s
Farm</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: I
know a certain aspect of this book was hard for you. Could you tell us about
that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Child abuse is something that hits very close to home for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those parts were very difficult to write.
Above all else, I am a woman and a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffering at the hands of abusive men and looking to a spineless
mother for help is something that makes my gut ache.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton:
If your next birthday party were going to have a theme based on one of your
books, what would it be?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: Ohhh! In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Taking Control,</i> I
had drag queens, so I’d love to throw a huge party and force everyone to cross-dress
in drag. I would love to take the seriously homophobic people I know, force
them to wear a gaff, shave their legs and wear thigh highs and platform
hooker boots. It would just be so much fun! I would even have a mandatory
pole dancing contest just to watch the train wreck!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Tim Greaton: I
think you should film the entire event and we’ll post it right here on the
forum with your next interview, Kim</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Unfortunately,
every interview ultimately has to wind down. Before this one does, 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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: My Author Page is </span><a href="http://kimmullican.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://kimmullican.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.
Under the “Books” Tab are links to all my books. There is a link to my blog
there, but you can also find it at </span><a href="http://kimmullican.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://kimmullican.wordpress.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">My
Author Page is a good place to find out about upcoming projects!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Tim Greaton:
Thanks so much for hanging out with us today, Kim. I’m fortunate to have a
ton of great forum readers, and I’m willing to bet <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoder’s Farm</i> and your other novels are getting typed into their search
fields right now </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Kim
Mullican: I’d like to thank you, Tim, for having me. It’s been a pleasure. And
thank you, readers, for your continued support of Tim, me and the rest of our
writing community. Without you, our work means would mean nothing.<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> <span id="goog_1194557864"></span><img alt="Amazon's Kim Mullican Page" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/09/af/42b21757b9cc0a7f023511.L._V142160178_SL140_RO5,1,174,177,178,255,255,255,15_AA160_.jpg" /><span id="goog_1194557865"></span> </span></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-55091041044217995112013-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:002013-03-15T17:26:07.468-07:00Interview with Rick Gualtieri, the hilarious author of The Tome of Bill series....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNud_De5hdLf0IGiG5KTG1OxjPASa8j1Q4ho7mzfrYQQZ7Qs7t1qL3fePhjp3miOmt2RkLCVbsnLsHTixqyLvSeBkkfro87qC7ehyphenhyphenfDbmdvYNYI4Y5hIaRrat_IaMuTDQNDmGoGW24GY9c/s1600/RickGualtieri_TheMourningWoods_eFINALclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNud_De5hdLf0IGiG5KTG1OxjPASa8j1Q4ho7mzfrYQQZ7Qs7t1qL3fePhjp3miOmt2RkLCVbsnLsHTixqyLvSeBkkfro87qC7ehyphenhyphenfDbmdvYNYI4Y5hIaRrat_IaMuTDQNDmGoGW24GY9c/s320/RickGualtieri_TheMourningWoods_eFINALclean.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></td><span style="font-size: large;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAU_FGmVu2qWPwKMH00LRp-56yQsMfPGER2I3crBhhBCOzjRBj3MfG3sJ78fMh6GEGvpCcLgeIem2Rv54lZLUCDVsVOD8oZ_w7Pcyy4UACrkqUSjP_avAY-hDL01d7eN34B4Jz4jAqhRT/s1600/rick-photo+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAU_FGmVu2qWPwKMH00LRp-56yQsMfPGER2I3crBhhBCOzjRBj3MfG3sJ78fMh6GEGvpCcLgeIem2Rv54lZLUCDVsVOD8oZ_w7Pcyy4UACrkqUSjP_avAY-hDL01d7eN34B4Jz4jAqhRT/s1600/rick-photo+x+250.jpg" /></a></span></td><span style="font-size: large;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Today, I am teeming with anticipation at having Rick Gualtieri with
me in the forum. For those of you who haven’t heard, he is the hilarious,
bestselling author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Tome of Bill</i>
series. One of my sisters had already read the first three books before begging
me to invite him for an interview. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Rick, I feel we may as well roll out the
dirty laundry first. I’ve heard rumors that you have drawn a pretty stern
line with certain people. Is that true?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: It absolutely is. I am a rabid Transformers
fan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the comics, the toys, the
movies, heck I even have a Decepticon symbol tattooed on my right shoulder
(and no, I’m not sending pics :-).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
a bad person to take to Toys R Us because I ALWAYS disappear down that
aisle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m that strange man who’s
there picking up the boxes and pretending to read the price tag, while
secretly looking at the character bios.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">I’m constantly on my guard, protecting my collection from their
worst possible enemy...my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I’ve told them many times, “Boys, see these?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are daddy’s prized possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One day, though, daddy will be gone and when that happens...well don’t
get any bright ideas. Daddy’s being buried with them all!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: What kinds of books do you gravitate towards?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I mostly read horror and techno thrillers, with
some fantasy and sci-fi thrown in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
it has a monster in it, chances are I’ve read it or have it on my to-read
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of my favorite authors
include: Stephen King, Jim Butcher, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Are they in the same genres in which you write?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: There is some overlap. Currently I write in both
the horror and comedy genres (with maybe an additional genre out there under
a pen name), with a future book planned that probably falls into paranormal
action / adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I write stories
that I would want to read, but I don’t necessarily always read in those
genres - if that even makes sense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: You came to a turning point in your past.
Could you tell us about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: College for me felt like my first taste of actual
living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life before then was okay,
not exactly a horror story in of itself, but, generally speaking, through a
combination of my home life, being an introvert, and a few other factors, I
wasn’t particularly happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me
a while, but eventually I was able to climb out of my shell, join some campus
organizations, and meet some great friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My last two years of school really shaped the person that I am today,
and I think that’s reflected in my writing (especially the snarky
parts).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also where I started
having some pretty awesome adventures...at least a few of which have made it
to the pages of my books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which ones?
That’d be telling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: When readers provide feedback about your
books, what do you most like to hear?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I think the best compliments are those that say
I’ve given someone exactly what they’re hoping for from a book, i.e. either a
scare or a laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That last one is
especially awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comedy is hard to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because one writes a joke and thinks
it’s the funniest thing ever, it doesn’t mean a reader will even crack a smirk
at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my biggest fear with my
horror/comedy series: putting out an unfunny book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful that I’ve gotten many comments
along the lines of “laugh out-loud funny”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Getting something like that is both an incredible compliment as well
as a huge relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I was able to
bring a smile to someone’s face is just icing on the cake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I heard a rumor that you’ve got some great
outdoors stories. Could you share one of those?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: Several years ago, I went canoeing with a group
of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were supposed to go
hiking, but one of them had a sprained knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never been too big on being out in the water, so I was mostly
griping about it the entire way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of my friends said to me, “Oh come on! You have to admit this is better than
being on a train back to Hoboken” (Where I went to school).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">I answered, “I’ll get back to you on that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">A short while later the ‘fun’ started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was paddling at the bow of our canoe one
moment, the next thing I knew I was underwater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person sitting behind me had leaned
over to look at a fish and capsized us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I surfaced underneath the now upside down canoe, to cries of my
friends yelling for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought I
had drowned...but fate wasn’t quite done tenderizing me yet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Instead, I got the canoe off of me just as we entered some
rapids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten minutes later, having been
bounced off of multiple rocks like a human pinball, I caught sight of my
friend from earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been in
the same boat and was likewise in the water doing a good impression of a bug
being smashed against a windshield<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">“Just for the record,” I yelled, still being dragged by the
current, “I’d rather be on that train back to Hoboken!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">His response, “Me too!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I love asking the next question, because it
shows how much variety there is among us scribblers. What is your writing “system”
like, and how has it evolved over the course of your career?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I’d say my writing style has evolved from a state
of pure chaos to that of slightly organized chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I write in different genres, I find
my style changes depending on the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I write comedy, I’m a pantser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I find humor is funniest when it’s spontaneous and just off the top of
my head. The more I think about a joke, the less funny it’ll be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s different writing horror, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that case I need my plot outline next to
me so I know 1) where the monsters are vs. the survivors and 2) which of my
characters I’ve already killed off so as to not have them reappear in a later
chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s weird having multiple
styles, but I’m a big believer in using whatever works best for the
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means keeping flexible
in everything I do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I understand you put your later drafts
through a gauntlet before you let them free in the world. Could you describe that
process for us?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I am eternally paranoid about my work, so I make
use of beta readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife is my
first line of defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She typically
doesn’t read the genres I write in, so she’s not afraid to tell me if
something sucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I have a few
awesome friends who are next in line to scald me with their comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following that, I’ll often recruit a few
brave souls from my social media circles and have them give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like my beta readers to be a mix of
regulars (who I know I can count on) as well as new people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found that’s the best way to get a
good mix of useful feedback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To date
it’s worked out wonderfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve
managed to keep me from zigging when I should have zagged.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Do you find any parallels between your work
and books by other established authors?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I’ve had a few wonderful readers compare my
comedy writing to Christopher Moore’s, which is more awesome than I can put
into words.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: So would you say you intentionally model
Christopher Moore?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: Actually, I look towards Jim Butcher for
inspiration with regards to style for my horror/comedy series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Dresden Files series (of which I am a
big fan) is told from a first-person perspective, which can be difficult to
pull off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read his books, I’m
greatly enjoying them but I’m also paying close attention to his style as my
series is told from the same perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see no shame in learning from those who have come before, but at the
same time credit where credit is due.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Could you tell us what you have for new book
news?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: My latest release is only a few weeks off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holier Than Thou</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the
fourth in my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tome of Bill</i>
horror/comedy series about a foul-mouthed vampire geek named Bill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">In my mind I see it as sort of a comic book progression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first book (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bill The Vampire</i>) was the origin story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Scary Dead Things</i>) expanded upon the world a bit and gave the
hero more conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third opened
him up to the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he’s
busy trying to hide from that big picture, but alas he can’t. There’s too much
going on and a lot of it hits close to his heart (both physically and
emotionally).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">The plot: The ancient enemy of the vampire race, The Icon - a
creature that can destroy the undead with nothing more than a touch, has
arisen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s just one problem: Bill
is hopelessly in love with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horror
hilarity ensues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: I know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Tomb of Bill</i> series has been amazingly popular. Will there be more sequels
in the future?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: This is an ongoing series, so there will
definitely be more to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
some great ideas for book five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
being said, I’m not rushing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way I can give it the TLC it deserves, but also take the time to
explore other genres.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: What else can we expect from you on the
horizon?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: My next work will be a follow-up to my first
horror novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bigfoot Hunters</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absolutely love monster rampages, and I
can’t wait to get to work on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it
turns out like I’m planning, the creepiness factor should be ratcheted up
through the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writing horror is
incredible fun, so expect to see a lot more from me going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say, I wouldn’t mind being known
as that author whose books you DON’T take on a camping trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Sounds like you are a true devotee to a
certain type of dark fiction. Could you talk about that?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: I love horror movies of all types, but I have a
special place in my heart for horror comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not talking slapstick here either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Movies like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ghostbusters</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Army of Darkness</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Big Trouble in Little China</i> manage to
take potentially scary situations and turn them into hilarity by changing up
the characters a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a
dark brooding hero, you instead get a wiseass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That almost never fails to entertain me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">I felt there was a lack of that in the literary world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are plenty of political or
contemporary comedy books out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Likewise, many horror novels have generous dollops of humor, right
before getting to the terrifying stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My goal is to recreate that movie genre in book format, to put forth
that frightening scenario but have a protagonist who is absolutely incapable
of taking the whole thing too seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the best of both worlds: some scares, some gore, and hopefully a
whole lot of laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Another question I ask a lot is: when you
finally find rest, what would you like your tombstone/obituary to say?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Here lies Rick Gualtieri: Beloved father,
husband, and writer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Strangled 3 grizzly bears and a velociraptor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Sadly didn’t see that ninja sneaking up behind
him.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: I have to say that’s a great answer </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"> Could you
share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly communicate
with you and purchase your stories.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: It would be my pleasure, Tim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My blog is </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.poptartmanifesto.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.poptartmanifesto.com</span></a></span><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Likewise I am very active on twitter at: @rickgualtieri<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and Facebook: </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor</span></a></span><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My Amazon author page is: </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/rickgualtieri"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://www.</span><span style="color: blue;">amazon.com/author/rickgualtieri</span></a> </span><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Pop by and say Hi. I don’t bite, even if some of my characters
do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for spending time with us today, Rick.
I’ve had a wonderful time learning about you and your popular fictional
worlds, and I have no doubt that many of our readers will be searching your
name in bookstores across the country.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Rick Gualtieri: Thank you, Tim and all of the awesome readers out
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been my express pleasure
to be here today. It’s humbling to be amongst such great company and I hope I
can live up to those expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white;">I likewise want to thank everyone out there who has taken a
chance on me or is considering it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
goals are very simple: all I wish to do is entertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I can do so for even a minute, then this
journey has been more than worth it.</span></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B0058I8A6K/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Bill The Vampire (The Tome of Bill)" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51d%2Bk7Tvi9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1466308036/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link"><img alt="Scary Dead Things: The Tome of Bill: Part 2" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JyvxV5ptL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1478160438/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link"><img alt="The Mourning Woods: The Tome of Bill (Volume 3)" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P2Nq6tHmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1468177052/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link"><img alt="Bigfoot Hunters (Volume 1)" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fTGHuFyiL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B004QOA4TI/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="The Poptart Manifesto" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Vpng4kgqL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-24302889210872569072013-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:002013-03-13T19:56:41.510-07:00Dark fiction author Lin Boelz joins us in the forum today....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_1224394848"></span><span id="goog_1224394892"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeBoyNE7oN4pDnJiCokzT5zTSIB9so2TAhYMkmSWNlsvoWQQmKhPNyFvLVS8aTWjddaDCuNwSewjchWI6rFfrSXGYuyC15wV69zeO9rs90hd17KmS40F1xQGWRUwPyRI7-rhhrh8tCPa8/s320/Lin+Boelz+JPG+x+250.jpg" width="239" /><span id="goog_1224394893"></span><span id="goog_1224394849"></span></a></span></td><span style="font-size: large;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Today, in the Forum, Lin Boelz is here to talk about her novels and
stories. I have a feeling we’re in for an interesting interview. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Lin. Lin, would you like to have a seat now? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Seriously, it’s great to have you here, Lin.
I have often compared the process of creating a story to preparing a stew.
This analogy works particularly well for someone with your interests, doesn’t
it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I do love cooking. In my spice cabinet alone I have over 140 different
spices. Recently I have gotten into making my own canned goods and cheese. Rather
than your stew comparison, I would probably say cake. I love baking. I have
gone so far as to order ingredients from Africa, England and India to bake a
recipe that caught my eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Your mother had a difficult childhood that
turned into a fascinating method of raising children. Could you tell us about
that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: My mom lost her mother when she was five and was adopted by an aunt
who had no children of her own. Her aunt turned out to be like Cinderella’s evil
stepmother. Consequently, my mother’s childhood was filled with all work and
no play. As a result, when she had kids of her own, she made up for lost
time. When Dad would leave for work, the four of us, including Mom, would
play hide and seek and tag in the house. Yes in the house, running and
jumping on furniture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: So when you weren’t all running and playing
together, did your family have any difficult times?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I remember one Christmas when my dad had lost his job. We barely had enough
money for rent and a few groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That year, we all drew pictures and wrapped them in homemade paper. Though
hard at the time, it is the Christmas that we now remember fondly and talk
about the most. We learned that it is not what you own on the outside but what
you own on the inside that matters: the gift of family love stays with a
person for a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: We’ve already talked about your international
recipe fetish. Do you have any other pastimes that you’d like to share?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: Gardening is another of my hobbies; it ties in well with my cooking. I
have started an herb garden and use the herbs to make medicine instead of
taking manmade drugs. I also have a soapwort plant; I make soap out of the
roots. I like to be close with nature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: People often say your writing makes it easy
to visualize themselves in your scenes, which is a tremendous compliment. But
there’s another comment you often hear. What is that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz (grins mischievously): Some readers say I have a dark side.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: I know you have a some works currently with
retailers. What are those?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: In all, I have nine short stories, a variety puzzle book, and two
novels currently available. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Syeribus
Creatures of the Night</i> is a two-book series. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vampire Dolls</i> is a standalone novel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: So what else can readers expect in the near
future? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I have two novels and short stories coming out by the end of April. I’m
having an especially great time producing one project I pulled out of moth
balls recently. It’s called my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prepper
& Survival E-zine, where I </i>share what I have learned about preparing
for short- and long-term disasters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Writers are always fun to hang out with
because they seem to have the best stories about their pasts. Something
happened to you when you were seventeen. Do you remember what I’m talking
about?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: One night, I came home late from a date. My upstairs room had an
outside staircase, which was too dark to use at night. Well, when I moved a
trunk to open the French doors, to let my dog in, a rattlesnake was lying beside
him. It had crawled upstairs looking for a place to keep warm. My dad saved
the day by trapping it in a box and letting it go in the desert the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: I often ask novelists about their writing
“system.” You use a term I’ve never heard before.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I am a flow writer. I just sit down and start writing, letting the
story take me in whatever direction it wants to go. Sometimes I will just
start typing a few words and, before I know it, I have a chapter. Recently,
my husband has taken an interest in my writing and will come up with
suggestions about the direction stories should take. I credit Syeribus’
ending to him. I also have taken on an editor, someone who isn’t as close to my
stories. I definitely like having an editor for those times when I know what
I want to write but forget to fill in the blanks for my readers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Do you have beta readers in your family or
circle of friends?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I already mentioned my husband. I have also started to use beta
reading groups throughout the development of my books. One reader’s
suggestion brought a couple of important changes to a work-in-progress chapter
called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Wizard of Asil.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Could you tell us about your upcoming
release? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: It’s a combination of two projects that are coming out on the same day.
One is a short story based on a man recently released from prison. He is
determined to prove the warden wrong by not returning to the hell hole he
emerged from after ten long years. First thing he needed was a job, but who
was going to be willing to hire an ex-con?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">After
having a job and a mysterious black cat fall in his lap, he figured maybe,
just maybe he was going to get the break he deserved. Daniels soon finds out
nothing is free and everything has a catch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
other project is my aforementioned <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prepper
& Survival E-zine</i>. I figure if I can help even one person become
better prepared to navigate the stress and trials of disaster, then I will have
done my job. Let’s face it, the world may never turn into an apocalyptic
disaster movie, but earthquakes, floods and tornadoes are a fact of life. Are
you ready to live off the grid or feed your family if it takes days or even weeks
for help to arrive? And what if someone or something does cause the world to
go crazy for a few weeks, months or years? What then?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Will there be sequels to either of those two
new works?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">(She
gives me that grin again).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: I’ll take that as a maybe </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Which author do you model your work after, or do you not
see any parallels with past works you’ve read?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: Edgar Allen Poe, Sherlock Holmes, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Twilight Zone</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outer
Limits</i> television series had the most influence on my writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: So that’s where the dark Lin comes from </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">What part of your books are the most difficult to write?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: It’s never the same, but one recent ending was particularly difficult.
My husband and I battled for quite some time before it got worked out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: If a director contacted you to put one of
your works on a movie screen right now, what would our audience see?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: Scenes from my upcoming short story—<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: You really aren’t going to tell us the title?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz (again the grin): My movie would unfold with glimpses of a mysterious
woman who is never seen at the same time as the black cat who often follows my
freed prisoner around. To Daniels it will start to feel like the cat is everywhere
at every waking moment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: You have a unique solution if any of the
monsters from your stories appeared in real life. What is would you do
exactly?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: I would pull all the beds out of the house and leave the lights on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Could you share your website/blogsite and
links to where our audience could directly communicate with you and purchase
your stories?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lin
Boelz: </span><a href="http://www.weaverofshadows.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.weaverofshadows.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.
My email and blog are on the website. My books (under the name L.M. Boelz) are
available on Amazon kindle and Smashwords.com. Smashwords is especially great
because of the variety of download formats they offer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time today, Lin. It’s
been fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lin
Boelz: No, thank you. I feel lucky to have found a forum where readers can
get to know authors. Really, your site is priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you, and thank you to all the readers
who took time out of their busy days to spend with us.</span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-60211310151935411852013-03-10T18:26:00.000-07:002013-03-10T20:11:37.037-07:00Interview with versatile and busy author Scarlet James about her novel Uncontrolled Desires....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau87t7pkwTx1EiqVig5FyOmdnEK1k_6iNynlHPoZRnMbm5kRi0Nii6mJTehNgc3lnBIkebwy3RbxNtU2edMpeHT4OWR05Q6D3zXqWZxzeYHvHCm53BJmJJsbSHWzvt7-cGavOWq2GgEsJ/s1600/Scarlet+James+JPG+x+200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiau87t7pkwTx1EiqVig5FyOmdnEK1k_6iNynlHPoZRnMbm5kRi0Nii6mJTehNgc3lnBIkebwy3RbxNtU2edMpeHT4OWR05Q6D3zXqWZxzeYHvHCm53BJmJJsbSHWzvt7-cGavOWq2GgEsJ/s200/Scarlet+James+JPG+x+200.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Today, in the Forum, I have the pleasure of introducing Scarlet
James, who is here to talk about her novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i>.</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><td colspan="3" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.65in;" valign="top" width="638"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: To a lot of people, Scarlet, you seem to be
an overachiever. Could you explain to our audience what I mean?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Sure. I recently graduated from ICDC with an Associate’s degree in
Homeland Security. Now, I am pursuing my certificate in Public Relations to
better understand the business of entertainment and media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very goal oriented and have recently
started my own entertainment business as well. I currently manage a singer
who performs songs by Conway Twitty. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Where you also so busy in childhood? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Well to be honest, yes. I was pretty much a tomboy growing up, but my
interests expanded when my truck driver dad took me with him one summer. Being
a teenager stuck in a big rig wasn’t all that pleasant, but while seeing the
country I discovered that I had a knack for writing stories. Once home, I got
involved in theatre as well as writing. I loved it. I was also busy with
sports, and especially loved high school basketball. Adding to all of that, I
was a member of the police explorers in my home town when I was about 14 or
15 maybe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: A lot of writers point to a particular
relative who positively influenced their career. That wasn’t true for you,
though, was it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Growing up I never had any role models or positive influences. I tried
to hide my writing efforts but once they were discovered, I was down-graded and
insulted by my family members. To be honest, those barbs pushed me to keep
working. I knew that I had something resembling a gift at a young age, and I try
every day to get back to that place. From time to time I still get negative
remarks, but rather than let those naysayers get me down, I work that much harder
to prove them wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: As if you didn’t have enough going on, you
have also started an online venture. Could you tell us about that? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: I am in the midst of building an online magazine site. Once fully established,
we will also release print versions of each edition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: So, I understand that you had a mix of sports
and art interests in your background, but what led you to pursue a degree in
Homeland Security? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Computers were always easy for me, and my teen work with the police gave
me an interest in profiling and criminal investigations. I also learned a
certain police-caution, which gives me a second sense about suspicious
behavior and when things are not quite right. Sometimes, I can even guess how
events might turn out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What kinds of books do you read? Are they in
the same genres in which you write?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: When I have time, I love to read Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steele and
Stephen King as well as a few others. I like to mix it up as I do with my
writing. I write in different genres, depending on my mood at the time.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: You have a deep enjoyment for travel. How
does that influence your writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really got inspired while on
the road with my parents for two months. I did a lot of writing during that
period, and it allowed my mind to open up. One especially inspiring trip took
place when I was 17 in Florida. Something about the beach air and the ocean
makes me come alive. I did some of my best writing while sitting on the beach
overlooking the ocean and open sky. A lot of years have passed since then but
two years ago, while in South Carolina, I experienced a similar awakening.
That’s when I began the novel I’m working on now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: You’ve received a lot of positive comments
about descriptions in your stories, but you also hear another comment fairly
often. Could you share that with us?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: My early readers commented about the creativity and surprising detail
in the seven books I wrote in a five-year period. One of those books has now
been published. I’ve tried to build on that creativity and attention to
detail. I now work with an agent who was especially surprised how well I
write about the feelings of characters with the opposite sex. She encouraged
me to keep that up as well.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: So which of your works are available to
purchase right now?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i> is available
in e-book and will soon be released in paperback. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All Messed up and Crazy for You</i> will be released soon through a new
publishing group. I hope to receive the proofs soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: As a young teen, you were inspired by one
famous storyteller. Do you remember who I mean?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Sure: Walt Disney. When I was 12 or 13, we went to Walt Disney World
in Florida. Seeing his stories in three dimensions was absolutely magical,
and even though it was at that age when we all tell ourselves we’re not kids
anymore, I fell head-over-heels for the entire place. I might as well have
been 4 years old again. I had to see every colorful thing and had to get my
picture taken with as many characters as I could.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Have you ever met a memorable person that you
have copied in your fiction?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: We’ve all met memorable people, and the main character from my novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i> is definitely
based on a real person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Is there a book or a story that truly
impacted your life in a HUGE way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Yes. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misery</i> by Stephen King
gave me nightmares. It also makes me cautious as I travel and meet fans and
coworkers in the writing world. Stephen King is one of my favorites. I also
loved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misery, the movie</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What is your writing “system” like, and how
has it evolved over the course of your career?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: I am constantly switching back and forth between my magazine and my
novels. It has to do with motivation. When one becomes a chore, I back off
and work on the other. I write mostly at night. I’m not sure why evening
hours inspire me, but I’ve been that way since the age of 14, which is when I
starting getting serious with my writing. I also have to have only music on.
Any other noise easily distracts me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Do you work with beta readers in your family
or circle of friends?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: No, not in my family. I have had friends who helped. We all make
mistakes, and it really helps to have an outsider catch those things we miss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Which author do you model your work after, or
do you not see any parallels with past works you’ve read.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: I’m often so busy with projects that I seldom have time for fiction
reading. That said, I would like to model my work after Nicholas Sparks or
Danielle Steel. I would love to be the next queen of romantic comedy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a particular type
of writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: No I don’t think so. I know when people ask me what I write I tell
them romance/drama/comedy, but lately I have been moving more toward thrillers
and suspense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What is your most recent book/story release?
And could you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i> is
about a PGA golfer, now instructor, who grows up with a lot of problems. He
had searched for his mother only to learn she died while giving birth. He
deals with depression, sexual addictions and obsessions as well as drugs and a
wild, out-of-control lifestyle. His involvement with cyber dating and outside
relationships leads to murder and foul play. The story was fascinating and
took some delicacy to write, and I think a lot of teenagers would find it
interesting because of the way the character fantasizes about young girls and
finds himself in trouble because of it. He gets involved with a woman online,
and she agrees to write his life story…but that’s when things get messy. I
suspect the story would be a must-read for anyone with addiction problems,
mental illness, overt sexual desires and such.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: A man approached me back in 2006, about this story actually. Though <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i> is based on
him, there are fictional aspects that made it more tolerable for me. I flew
to his home in Las Vegas twice and interviewed several people involved in the
story before I wrote it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Will there be a sequel?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: No sequels are planned. I am currently working on another love story/romantic
drama/satire and then will tackle a novel about a police detective who falls
crazy-in-love with a columnist writer who works for a popular magazine. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Which part of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uncontrolled Desires</i> was the most difficult to write?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Wow. I would have to say the main character Greg was the most
difficult part. He had a great deal of problems, and being a parent of two
wonderful children made it hard. Greg would pretend to be various young boys online
so girls would send him nude pictures and even have phone sex with him.
Learning about this guy really disturbed me, but it also made me realize that
writing his story might well keep others safe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What about your past made you decide on this
book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: I wasn’t sure I wanted to tackle this story when I was first approached
with the idea. But ultimately I decided that writing outside of my own
experience would be a great way to grow as an author.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: If any one of the characters could appear in
your world right now, which one would you choose and why? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Maybe you haven’t been listening (she says with a smirk). I don’t
think I want any of them to pop out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">(Once I stop laughing, our interview continues….)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Okay, let’s say Uncontrolled Desires gets
picked up by Hollywood, which actor do you think should play Greg?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Alec Baldwin would be great, or maybe even Kevin James. I think the female
writer who gets involved with him would have to be either Kate Hudson or
Sandra Bullock. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I am not sure that I would
have one as I am thinking of cremation with my ashes thrown out to sea. But
if I were to have a tombstone, it might be something like, “I actually did it.
I made all my dreams come true and had two of the greatest kids while doing
it. They were my number one fans and believed in me, even when I wasn’t at my
best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: It would be great if you could share your
website links.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet
James: Facebook/Author, Scarlet James and Amazon Author central<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time today, Scarlet.
You have been an amazing guest.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Scarlet
James: Thanks for allowing me to be a part your forum, Tim. Thanks to
everyone, and I hope to hear from you and make some friends and fans. </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-45894811282544178272012-11-19T19:25:00.001-08:002012-11-19T19:25:29.710-08:00Interview with historical fiction and fantasy author Prue Batten...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48oJGjLGTWTCgeyW43awFJVlysQ2Of406NkoGWIqie1Db4RVNhi2W4eKhpvS6n2k4jLO3PGLTo0EuJmAujO4EOsfn486Ub0FF1EJVScBsjOftnunDP703WNLUW_um2IluvSQuP77RxHS8/s1600/A01T+-+Prue+Batten+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48oJGjLGTWTCgeyW43awFJVlysQ2Of406NkoGWIqie1Db4RVNhi2W4eKhpvS6n2k4jLO3PGLTo0EuJmAujO4EOsfn486Ub0FF1EJVScBsjOftnunDP703WNLUW_um2IluvSQuP77RxHS8/s1600/A01T+-+Prue+Batten+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" width="213">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Today, in the forum I’m tickled
to be talking with one of the hardest-working women
in fiction. She not only has a catalog of completed works that is to envy,
she also has projects percolating and bouncing off her tongue. So, without
further delay, I’d like to introduce my friend Prue Batten.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: It’s really
great to have you here on the forum today, Prue. In a few minutes, we’ll delve
into a great bookish discussion about your many projects, both available and
soon-to-come. Before that, however, I was hoping we could talk a little bit about
what you do with those hours when you’re not writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: I farm a wool-growing property in the far
south of Australia (an island state called Tasmania) with my husband. We grow
superfine wool which is sought after by Chinese woolen mills for the world
fashion trade. We are just about to double our sheep numbers as lambs begin
to pop out right across the farm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: You sound
passionate about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: It’s tough in a drought, cold in winter, hot
as Hades in summer and hurts my muscles when I’m working in the sheepyards or
fencing, but it’s a remarkable life which I blog about periodically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: I often ask
writers if there is a particular place from their past that influences their
writing. Your family has deep roots in one location, which gives you an
unusual answer to that question, doesn’t it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: My family has a 90-year-old connection with a
tiny coastal village in Tasmania where my grandfather established a seachange
home for my grandmother who was ill with cancer at the time. As baby-boomers,
my cousins and I lived the life of Swallows and Amazons by the sea and we had
sea-legs aboard boats before we could crawl. Everything about the village colours
my life now and we have our own little place there called House, which is
where I write most comfortably. I guess you could say it still influences me!
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Our President Teddy
Roosevelt was known for having warring interests as both an outdoorsman and
as an intellectual. I’ve heard you say something similar. Could you share what
you mean by that with us?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: My hobbies might not be exactly unusual, but
they are poles apart from each other. I am an embroiderer of the style called
stumpwork which dates from the seventeenth century. Absolutely love it even
though it tests my eyes to their limits. The art-form gave me inspiration for
my first book, “The Stumpwork Robe.” It formed Book One of the continuing “Chronicles
of Eirie” and was first published in print in 2008 and is about to be
re-issued with a new cover and imprint. It is, of course, available as an
e-book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My other hobby is kayaking. I LOVE kayaking on the ocean
near House; it’s my ultimate getaway. I have very little fear of the ocean –
except for man-eating white pointer sharks, because as climate change warms
the water and as the food chain alters, we are seeing more and more around
the coastline.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: I think most of
our forum readers would say that today you have painted vivid pictures with many
of your answers. This isn’t the first time you’ve heard that compliment, is
it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: No. I do often have readers describe my
stories as unique and immensely pictorial. I like to think that‘s evidence
that pushing my imagination to tell the most unusual and special story possible
has paid off. Whatever the case, it is a supremely nice thing for readers to
say.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Are most of your
works available or do you have you stashed some away that might someday reach
the market?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: No, I spring clean regularly <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(she grins)</b> so no older stories will
see the light of day, but I do have a fantasy work-in-progress for The
Chronicles and a historical fiction/historical romance work-in-progress for “The
Gisborne Saga.” Hopefully ready for the publisher by December.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: With such a busy
life running the farm, you must have a pretty effective “system” for getting
your writing projects done?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: My system? Oh great heavens! It’s very odd. I
begin the story on the computer with an opening line and a very rough outline
in my head. Then I tend to let the story run its own course. I always take
the last line written on any day to bed in the evening and write in long hand
if the impetus is there. I also create a style guide which is a list of names
- characters, setting etc and its correct spelling in alphabetical order. I
also write a character profile for every character, from physical appearance
to early life and psyche. And I have a whole printed folio of the fantasy
world of Eirie with maps. I have a massive folder for each book with research
PDF’s and other research information all filed in plastic sleeves. I have
tons of bookmarked detail on the computer and I have my own personal library shelves
along with books I borrow from our libraries. I write when I can and consider
myself fortunate to get three straight hours let alone a whole day, but my
head writes all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: What is your publishing
team like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: I have two wonderful beta readers—a friend in
America and another in Turkey. They are very honest, pull no punches and I
value their hard opinion more than anyone else’s, apart from my highly
trusted, professional editor. Industry professionals handle the cover graphic
designs and print formatting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Our time
together has been fascinating, Prue, but I’m willing to bet a lot of our
readers are anxious to find out more about your latest novel, “Gisborne: Book
of Pawns.” Could you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Prue Batten: “Gisborne: Book of Pawns,” ah, let’s see. The
blurb might go like this: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">“Two
people drawn by lust and a lost inheritance in 12<sup>th</sup> Century
England, where status means power and survival depends on how the game is
played. Guy of Gisborne, a man of dark secrets, accompanies Ysabel of
Moncrieff, a woman of prominence, on a journey that rewrites history.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Though I haven’t yet had a
chance to read “Gisborne: Book of Pawns,” I’d like to mention that novelist John
Hudspith says, “your storytelling is mesmeric and exact, taking the reader on
a spellbinding ride of unpredictable twists and turns.” Now that’s a pretty
serious compliment, Prue.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: I’m always honored when readers appreciate my work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: What led you to
tell this particular story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: It was originally inspired by the BBC’s
rendition of “Robin Hood.” I found the character of Gisborne intriguing - a
bitter man for whom life had absolutely no meaning, a man with no self-worth.
I decided to take Gisborne far from the familiar canon and set him along
another life journey entirely, one that may have fallen his way if the cards
had been played differently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Will there be
sequels or other stories connected to this one?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: Most definitely if I live long enough. There
is at least another book in the Gisborne Saga, perhaps another after that.
Gisborne: Book of Knights is 25% written. I also have fourth and fifth book
planned for The Chronicles of Eirie and in fact the fourth is 70% done. I
love both genres, but perhaps fantasy is more relaxing to write than historical
fiction as there are very specific strictures within hist.fict that one must
be respectful toward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: I know you don’t
like to compare your work to other authors, but it has happened. Could you
give us a few examples?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: No, you’re right. I don’t like to compare but
one Amazon UK reader said he finally found a book he enjoyed more than “Game
of Thrones,” which he loved. That book was “A Thousand Glass Flowers,” and
his kind review rather shook me…in a nice way, of course. And when I was
submitting my first two books of the “Chronicles of Eirie” to a peer review
site (YWO.com) one reviewer called them “A cross between Neil Gaiman’s ‘Stardust’
and John Crowley’s ‘Little Big,’” which I thought was terrific!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Which part of
your story was the most difficult to write?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: Always the love/sex scenes as I believe in
the mantra of “less is more.” At the same time it has to be compelling and
acceptable to a wide cross-section of readers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: After writing
your novel/story, did you wish you could have changed something? Do you think
you will address that issue in future sequels?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: Rarely. Although I wondered if I should have changed
the title of my fantasy “The Stumpwork Robe” after a woman bought it thinking
it was an embroidery book and giving me a one star review for her mistake. I
went to secure the link just a moment ago to place here, and it appears it
has been removed. I’m glad the mistake was cleared up, and yet it was such a
good talking point!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then some bright sparks have commented on “Gisborne:
Book of Pawns” with emphasis on the Pawn (porn). Sigh! Thus making me wonder
if I should change that title as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: For what it’s
worth, Prue, I think that every author I’ve ever met has second-guessed
various aspects of past projects. Now that I’ve dragged you through all the
serious stuff, let’s try a couple of fun questions. Let’s say Peter Jackson showed
up at your door tomorrow and offered to put one of your stories on the big
screen, what kind of a monster would be in the film? And which actor or
actress would you have battling it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: If we are talking my “Chronicles of Eirie”
series, there is an array of legendary spirits like the Cabyll Ushtey (a
horse that eats people) or the Caointeach who wails as she washes bloody
laundry in a stream and thus lets mortals know there will soon be a death. Those
are just two, but there are dozens of nasties throughout that series. I’d be
thrilled to see Peter’s WETA Workshop work their movie magic on those.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As for actors to play my hero? Oh any divine English
actor: Rufus Sewell, Richard Armitage, Damian Lewis and so on. In the
historic fiction, Sir Robert Halsham is quite simply a devious and dangerous
bastard. Cruel, manipulative … will say no more as it might be seen to be a spoiler.
I imagine Damian Lewis as Halsham and Richard Armitage as Gisborne.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Okay, everyone
loves to answer this one: if you had an unlimited advertising budget, how
would you “get the word out” about your latest release?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: In terms of my “Chronicles of Eirie” series,
I would take Peter Jackson to the best dinner he has ever eaten. I would ask
world famous chef Tetsuya Yakuda to cook Tasmanian food to die for, and I
would pay Tets to take Peter on his wonderful boat around the Tasmanian coast.
Then, as we sailed and ate, I would say “this is a movie just waiting for
your touch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">In terms of “Gisborne: Book of Pawns,” I would pay as much
as Richard Armitage wanted me to pay to his favorite charities if he would
just carry the print novel in his arms at every single interview he does!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: I also often ask
authors what they would like to see on their tombstone when they finally go
to rest. I know it’s decades and decades away, but what would your answer be?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prue Batten: Maybe they could print: “Nobody’s Perfect.”
But seeing as I want a Viking Funeral or, at the very least, to be cremated
and my ashes scattered at sea, I don’t care if there’s no headstone at all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ti</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">m 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pure Batten:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.pruebatten.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.pruebatten.com/</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Blog: http://</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><a href="http://www.mesmered.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">www.mesmered.wordpress.com</span></a>
has pages to take readers to details of published books.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Prue.Batten.writer"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.facebook.com/Prue.Batten.writer</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Pinterest: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pruebatten"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://pinterest.com/pruebatten</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for
taking the time with me today, Prue. It’s amazing of you to spend the time,
which I know can be a challenge with your busy schedule.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim, it was delightful. Thank you for making me think
about all these wonderful questions, and thanks to all your readers for
taking the time to scan the result!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-10449096237586794702012-10-16T14:07:00.000-07:002012-10-16T16:00:52.264-07:00Interview with Jeff Dawson, author of the vampire thriller "Occupation"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks so much, everyone,
for your patience. The last couple of months, I had a number of family events
and professional to-do items that made it difficult to man my forum post, but
I’m excited to be back and to introduce the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i>, one of the most brutal and enthralling vampire novels
that I have read in a long while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
get started </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: It’s great having you here in the forum, Jeff. You and I could talk
for hours about various aspects of crafting stories, but in the interest of
everyone else, I probably should take some time to concentrate on your
personal history. I especially love how writers can come up from the most
unlikely circumstances. I understand your first career didn’t involve a lot
of typing. Could you tell us about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>When I was sixteen, I took a job flipping
burgers for $2.15 an hour. Wow! After six months I realized I was doing the
same thing every day and only had a measly little paycheck to show for the
endless hours of smelling like a Wendy’s burger. Even Lava soap couldn't cut
through that wonderful aroma. Did I have a girlfriend back then? Doubtful. So
I decided to do something where my toils were rewarded: road construction.
Great money, great hours and great fun. Two out of three ain't bad. For the
next twenty-five years I was one of those guys on the side of road with a
smoke dangling out his mouth barking orders and baking under the fine Texas
and Oklahoma summer suns. Yeah, I was the typical road hand. Hot (not in
looks), sweaty, hard drinking and woman chasing. Again, four out of five
ain't bad. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Going back even further, I heard you were injured while making a
different kind of art? I assume you remember what I’m talking about.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Yeah, I sure
do. Back in junior high and high school, some of my friends and I were making
war films. While filming one of those fine masterpieces, I was shot as I
attempted to flee over a wooden fence. For realism, we thought it'd be a good
idea if I just fell off the fence. How did that work out? Let me think,
twenty-five years of pouring concrete. Brain damage could have been a real
possibility. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: In a little bit, we’re going to talk about your fiercely imaginative
WWII novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i>, which is
going to be a lot of fun, but in the meantime I was hoping you could tell us
a little bit about a related hobby that you and your sons share.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: When I have
the space, I have miles of HO (model railroading equipment) boxed up just
waiting to be unleashed in the correct environment. To go along with that, my
boys and I really enjoy building models from WWII. One son builds the Russian
and American vehicles, while my oldest and I work on the German ones. The
boys decided early in the game that maybe Dad shouldn’t paint the men. They
accused me of giving the soldiers doll eyes. "Fine, you do it
then." Our arrangement has worked out pretty well. I take care of the
heavy lifting, the big stuff, while my boys handle all of the intricate
details. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: What kinds of books do you read? Are they in the same genres in
which you write?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: My bookcase is
filled with WWII books, mostly non-fiction. Do I have any books on the
current genre I'm pursuing? Not a one. If someone would have told me ten
years ago I would write a WWII/Vampire thriller, I probably would have shot
them. Figuratively speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: There was a place from your past that you’ll always remember. How do
the memories of it influence your life/writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: In my second
book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love's True Second Chance</i>, I
wrote about many wonderful memories and events from high school ‘til July of
2009. I remember hundreds of great places from back then, but if I had to
pick the most special place and time it would be in February of 2009.
McAlester, Oklahoma was receiving a ton snow one morning, so I woke Debbie up
and asked her if she would like to go for a walk. I can still envision us
walking in the snow, she in her read peacock coat, me in my OSU jacket. I can
still see the love in her eyes. That is a site I will never forget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: As a writer who also tends to cross genres probably a little too often,
I understand how odd it is to receive different types of feedback on
different types of books. What various kinds of reader comments would we find
in your email box?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: This is where
we have to keep clean, right? With the autobiographies, many of the readers
thank me for sharing the story of Debbie and me. Most of them have also
suffered a tragic loss in their life and others have thanked me for reminding
them that love is worth a second chance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i>
tends to get a completely different response. Most readers thank me for not
letting my vampires sparkle in the twilight. The characters in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i> are blood sucking,
emotionless creatures who are stalking an enemy even more vile than
themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Do you have
a closet or drawer full of old projects? If so, will any of them see the light
of day?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Nothing hiding
in the closets or drawers that I know of. However, do not despair, it appears
a sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation </i>is in the
works along with a sci/fi novel, a book of poetry/short stories and eulogies
and I have one book that is percolating: it revolves around the largest tank
battle in the 20th century. Wait a minute, let me open this door. Hm,
nothing. I think that's about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Tim
Greaton: </span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Because we writers tend to start out telling
real life stories, I bet you have at least one story you often retell at
parties. Would you share one with us?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: As a matter of
fact, when I was 19 or 20 my father informed me we were going to re-roof the
ridge line of the house. Correction, I was going to do the re-roofing, in
July, in Oklahoma. Like I wasn’t already getting enough of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cool </i>sun. Nevertheless, I accepted the
task and went to work and finished the first two lines in a couple of hours. Climbing
off the roof, I popped a top and examined my handy work as did our neighbor. When
I asked him what he thought, he took a long drink from his cold Budweiser,
smacked his lips and said, "Well dumkopf, I guess if you like snakes for
a straight line, looks pretty good. Think I'll go get your dad." Sure
enough, it looked like a snake died on the ridge. The rest of the house went
much smoother, but every time I saw Mr. Bill he would remind me of my fine
craftsmanship. At least the beer was cold.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">T</span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">i</span>m Greaton: Who was the strangest or most memorable character you ever met in real life?</span></span></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>(Jeff gives me one of those grins. I know something is coming.) </strong><span style="color: white;">Je</span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">ff Dawson: Other than myself, no one jumps out.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: So that’s the way it’s going to be, huh? Let’s try this one: so were
there any books or stories—NOT YOURS—that truly impacted your life in a huge
way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">(The grin
is still there). </span></span></span></span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: None that come
to mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">(After threatening
to withhold any further caffeine from my smirking guest, I return to our
questions.) </span></span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: What is your writing “system” like, and how has it evolved over the
course of your career?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: System? I
wake-up. That is number one. Number two, pour a cup-of-coffee. Number three,
turn on the computer. Number four? Seriously, I don't have a system. Each day
is different. Some days I might crank out 6,000 words while others I blankly
stare at the screen and play solitaire. For me, there is no set formula. I
have found that whichever genre I'm toying with often dictates how much work
I get done in a day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: I hear you have a fabulous group of beta readers. Is that true?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: You better
believe it, and that is especially important since my mind types faster than
my fingers. I have about four friends who gladly accept the manuscripts and
provide critiques. They don't sugar coat or rave about what a great read it
is. They point out the flaws and inconsistencies. However, even they don't
catch everything. If I trusted my own instincts, I'd still be learning how to
spell "I." Did I get it right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Which author do you model your work after, or do you not see any
parallels with past works you’ve read? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: It would have
to be Bram Stoker. I love the way he transitions his scenes while mixing in
the dialogue. He was a true master. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a particular type of writer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: You mean other
than one who can't spell very well. Seriously, I would classify myself as a
WWII novelist. I love the history of WWII. I believe that is why I enjoyed
writing the vampire work. I was able to mix in my knowledge of that era in
history along with something a little different; evil versus evil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: It looks like we’ve managed to circle back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i>, a novel which I read and enjoyed. I especially
appreciated the obvious author knowledge behind the fiction. You managed to truly make
me feel as though I was there in that stark and terrible place. Could you
tell us more about the story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i> is about Germany’s invasion
of Poland and of Hitler’s attempt to ship off the population to cleanse the
lands for German settlers. What the German soldiers don't know is they are
stealing the food supply of two warring vampire clans that detest one
another. Yet as the Germans keep thinning out the population the clans are
forced to make a decision. They can continue to fight amongst each other for
the meager souls still inhabiting the land, or they can combine their forces
and take on an enemy more vile than themselves. I believe readers will root
for the vampires to forge an alliance and rid the country of the current
menace. I know I did when I wrote it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Believe it or
not, the idea came from two women. The one who took care of my mom suggested
I write a love story about WWII. Not happening. I read "Ratenkrieg and
then went to see the movie, "Enemy at the Gates," and was very
disappointed. Seriously? A love story in Stalingrad. Ah, no. I called
Debbie's oldest daughter and asked her if vampires were still big. That was a
big thumbs-up. She also agreed to help write. I spent the next weeks trying
to figure out if could actually work: Vampires/WWII. I wrote a preface and
let it simmer for a few weeks. Once I figured out how to start chapter 1, the
book wrote itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: ""; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim Greaton: Which
character most resonated with you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, you want me to relate
to one these characters. It would have to be Kirilli Boirarsky. He is the
most likeable character I developed. He is the patriarch of the Boirarskys
and usually keeps a clear head and open mind as plans are drawn-up and
implemented against the SS. Granted he has a lot of flaws (then again, he is
a vampire) but is the only one still possessing a human characteristic or
two. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: You mentioned a possible sequel earlier. How is that progressing?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: What was the
line in the 80's movie with Patrick Swayze:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>REFUND!? REFUND!? . Sequel!? Sequel!? I know sequels are a big thing
today thanks to Twilight, Hunger Games, Fifty Shades of Grey and so on. Yes,
there will be a sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i>.
Why? I left a lot of unanswered issues in the first one. Some were
intentional, other were not. In fact, I found out not long ago that there was
someone that I—no, excuse me—that the clans never killed. I was shocked. Why
is he still alive? I have no idea, but I like the path his character could
possibly take. "Very interesting." Thank you Artie Johnson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: ""; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Do you plan
on exploring other realms or even more genres anytime soon?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: ""; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Other genres
and realms? Anything is possible. Film at eleven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Which part of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation </i>was
the most difficult to write? Why? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: That's easy.
The chapter entitled "Melding" was the most difficult by far. Why?
You try and have two vampires mate while everyone has to watch and not kill
each other and yet still make it sensual. I had one reader asked me to
demonstrate how Dmitri and Nicole performed one of their acts. I declined,
because even as a young man, I couldn't have performed that gymnastic feat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Now that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation</i> is
complete, do you wish you could have changed something?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Other than
letting a German live who should have died, nothing. There is one chapter (I
forget which one) where the characters weren't behaving at all. They were
all, and I mean all of them, arguing with each other. Veins were popping,
fangs were showing, claws were growing and the whole time I kept telling them
to shut-up. They refused to listen. I was not happy to say the least. I
fought with both clans for two days until I woke up one morning, woke them up
from gigabyte world and told them in no uncertain terms, "I'm in charge
and it's time for this foolishness to stop!" It was the first time in a
long time Nikoli and Svetlana Romanov backed down. I thought about changing
some of that chapter but decided against it. We've all been in fruitless
arguments, just waiting for them to end so we could take a break and get a
drink. I know I was ready. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: If you were to be stuck at the top of Mount Everest, which character
from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Occupation </i>would you want to
have with you? Why?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: Are you
kidding me? My characters would suck me dry and hide the body in Noah's Ark.
No thank you. I'll stay at the base camp and let the snow cover me up. But if
you want to join them be my guest. I'm sure they would love a little extra
rations when the reach the summit. Before you go, leave that bottle of Crown,
you won't be needing it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: The
website/blog can be found at </span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/www.lddjenterprises.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.lddjenterprises.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-line-height-alt: 5.0pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facebook: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love's True Second Chance, Occupation, Why
did Everything Happen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The books are also
available at </span></span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=jeff+dawson"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Smashwords</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">
and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Dawson/e/B0054DRYIO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B005XA1FZQ/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Occupation" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517oICyvUQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B004PYDG30/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link"><img alt="Love's True Second Chance" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51atZ9t10UL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim
Greaton: Thanks for taking the time today, Jeff. I suspect there is an army
of readers getting ready to search out copies of your books right now.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Dawson: I want to
thank you, Tim, and all who took the time out of their busy schedules to stop
by and say hi or just stop by to take a look. This has been a lot of fun and
hope to see you all on the boards, emails or blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-89834120234425402962012-07-24T22:26:00.000-07:002012-07-24T22:26:09.974-07:00Interview with fascinating fantasy novelist Marsha A. Moore, author of the "Enchanted Bookstore Legend" series...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Avenged-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B0086OO07G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343193203&sr=8-1&keywords=marsha+a+moore" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWb6UuxDbzSD5ASZyBwyo4DfrmWM-sHSfDKLO027P981QTu-vc3Y1hYd6XZdd9pprqbidlPrrit6TR3LiwCv5GUXHnBf1IMTDx-fkwSIKJAxOgOGvNEVFgIboznTGKLWzwut7utbDfp1X/s320/Heritage+Avenged+x+250.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-A.-Moore/e/B004NF6E08/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu529LBnwPtzZxzgyHlT6d4hQVld1Uz1dRmowxZB2bS5R5TO0Oc0vVw1yj93qGEgyVkkS7FYy7fRoRL6wMEEjCnVmvtj39V8P5x5AMSokZIWlcgpsGCDupBljNrMKG1SPiyJeqQ8kospn/s1600/Marsha+A+Moore+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I’m excited to
spend some time with fantasy novelist Marsha A. Moore in the forum today. She
is not only talented, she is also quite busy, so before she runs off to a
yoga class or to meet her editor, we better get started</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Tim
Greaton: Thanks so much for being here with us, Marsha. We’ve talked about
doing an interview for a while, and I’m really excited that our schedules
finally meshed. I’m willing to bet our readers would be surprised at your
journey to become a novelist. Could you tell us a little about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I’ve followed a
circuitous path to end up as a fiction writer. I graduated with a degree in Biology,
minoring in English. I wanted to pursue Literature and Fine Art, but my
parents encouraged me to study Biology, so I might eventually find a reliable
job. That was fine, since I liked that subject also. I wrote essays as a fun
break from my full load of Science. Yes, weird that I thought writing essays
was fun…still do! Then, I headed into grad school studying Dentistry. Four
years later, I decided although I was excelling, it just wasn’t my calling. I
changed gears and taught high school Biology for seventeen years, getting my
Masters in Secondary Education. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the way, I picked up a hobby of
writing music reviews for record companies. During that time, I was inspired
by some of those experiences and tinkered with fiction. Initially, I wrote
fiction based on the world of rock music. Through a lucky happenstance, a man
who worked for a major book publishing house read my first attempts at
fiction, which were posted on a music forum. He repeatedly encouraged me to
submit my creative writing. Over time, I came to believe him and did. After
that, a new world opened up and it’s been a wonderful time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim
Greaton: Quite a few years ago, I read a series of biographies about Teddy
Roosevelt, and one of the most memorable things about him was how he seemed
to be torn equally and almost obsessively between physical and intellectual interests.
You remind me a lot of him in that way. I’ll let you explain what I mean</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I have many hobbies
and they often shift into part-time careers. I’ve been a yoga addict for
thirteen years and just recently registered for a 200-hour year-long yoga
teacher certification course. I’m thrilled to embark on learning more about
one of my interests that has slowly become a huge part of my life. I’m
excited to see what journeys will come from that training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My other active hobbies include
kayaking and cycling, which I do weekly, year round. I live in Tampa, which
makes that possible. I love the beach and do my best writing there. I have a
host of creative hobbies: drawing, watercolor painting, knitting, jewelry
making. I also manage to squeeze in reading time for books on fantasy,
magical realism, and spiritual guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also make time to study Tibetan Buddhism.
I took refuge in that faith many years ago and attend a wonderful local
sangha. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Tim
Greaton: I understand that meditation is sometimes like plugging into pure
creativity but you started tapping a creative vein long before your journey
toward Buddhism. What’s that like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I get a lot of
positive and amazed comments about my imagination, usually, “Where do you get
these ideas?” or “You are talented storyteller,” or “How do you drive with
all these wild ideas in your head?” I honestly have no idea—it’s just me and
how I think. I see odd stuff in nature, like portals and strange
creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been this way as long
as I can remember. It does make for some great tales though!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Tim
Greaton: I’ve heard rumors that you tap a strong well of reality when you
write. Is that true?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: Reality always forms
the framework of how my characters interact in my stories. Actually, since my
current work in progress is book three of a five-part series, the more I look
at this story, the more of myself I see. My heroine, Lyra, is very much
connected to me. Even in the first chapter of the first book, the childhood
memories brought to her mind by Cullen’s magical tea are actually all mine.
How Lyra interacts with her Aunt Jean has been a way for me to work through
my own issues with my mother’s failing health. Some scenes intentionally
connect to my own experiences, like those, and others surprise me much later
when I’m polishing my draft to send to my editor. I shake my head and hope no
one other than my crit partners can identify the similarities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim
Greaton: I know from experience that writing fantasy can be extremely
time-consuming. Could you explain why that is and what your specific writing
method is like?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: My process begins with a setting I find
interesting, somewhere I’d like to spend some time. In writing fantasy,
world-building is everything. Then, I create the main characters, appearance
and personality. From there, how they will become involved goes hand-in-hand
with developing the plot. I do outline a lot, since there are many interwoven
subplots in this series. This series is epic in scope, and details would get
lost if I didn’t plan. Outside of the key features on the outline, I do allow
the in-between progress in each chapter to flow freely, which I enjoy a lot.
Some of the most imaginative bits arise that way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In terms of evolution, I tend to write more
now in extended spurts, immersing myself in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that works better for me than
routine, short daily sessions. Perhaps because I’m writing a very involved
epic tale, I need longer periods to keep the storylines straight. Regardless,
it’s more enjoyable for me to feel like I’m in the world for several days,
rather than popping in for an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim
Greaton: Whenever I hear you talk about your critique circle, I remember how
much I miss the local groups I used to attend many years ago. What’s your
circle like?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I love my critique
group. My crit partners are my best friends. They keep me motivated, cheer
with me for my successes, and support me when any hardships come along. My
group is local, through the Florida Writers Association. I think it’s
extremely important to find a local crit group rather than working only
online. We benefit so much from collectively brainstorming how to solve
everyone’s writing problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim
Greaton: Though I’d love to talk about your background and methods a lot
longer, I know our readers are equally anxious to hear about your latest
novel and the series it’s based in. Could you enlighten us?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enchanted
Bookstore Legends</i></b> are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become
one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities
and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating
from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through
Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account.
Each book contains magic with vast implications. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she
met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted
books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of
Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and
Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five,
standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of
quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by
the evil Black Dragon.</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While
learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old
and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken
over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heritage Avenged: Enchanted Bookstore Legend Two</i></b>, Lyra
McCauley receives an alarming letter from the coroner who evaluated her
deceased aunt, originally thought to have died of cancer. The news causes
Lyra to take leave from her job and travel from sunny Tampa to the frozen
island community in northern Michigan. Questioning whether Dragonspeir magic
was responsible for her aunt’s death, she resolves to learn the truth and
accepts the Imperial Dragon’s appointment into the Alliance sorcery training.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additionally, becoming proficient in magic craft is the only way she
can bridge the gap between her mortal human world and her lover’s. Cullen, a
220-year-old wizard, is dependent upon his Dragonspeir magic for immortality.
He is her only family now; she cannot lose him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evil forces block her and try to steal her inherited scribal aura.
Riding a stealth dragon, a cloaked rider pursues Lyra. Both the Alliance and
Dark Realm alchemists lay tricks and traps. Her aura equals that of the first
and most powerful Scribe, but will Lyra’s novice training allow her to
discover the truth…and find a life with Cullen? Or will the Dark Realm keep
them apart?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Tim
Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Enchanted Bookstore Legends
</i></b>are basically a fantasy lover’s dream, being able to step into a
favorite book as a character. I know my initial inspiration came after
watching the recent Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland movie. From that, I wanted
to work with parallel worlds and have a heroine who must save the fantasy
world from danger. But, I wanted it to be more adult in order to deal with
more complex feelings. Beyond that, I just see fantasy stories all around me.
It comes naturally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim
Greaton: You’ve already mentioned that there will be five books in this
series. What else can we expect on the Marsha A. Moore horizon</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I’m currently
finishing up writing the third <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enchanted Bookstore Legen: Lost Volumes</i>.</b>
I’m expecting a September release for that book. I’ve also been planning a
new series. I like to think about my plans for a new book or series over
several months, fitting the pieces together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.3pt 56.65pt 85.0pt 113.35pt 141.7pt 170.05pt 198.4pt 226.75pt 255.1pt 283.45pt 311.8pt 340.15pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write epic fantasy with romantic
elements and will likely do more in that subgenre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also enjoy reading magical realism,
mythpunk, and mythic fiction—all subgenres that sit on the border between
fantasy and literary fiction. I expect my writing will shift in that
direction over time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the complexity of fantasy, the feeling of being transported
into another world. However, most fantasy books are written for young adults.
In my reading, I longed to find more fantasies written for adults. The
element of romance I include is far less about adding sex than about adding
deeper connections between the hero and heroine, allowing them to be more
three-dimensional and work with more complex issues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim
Greaton: Knowing you as the avid reader you are, I wonder which authors have
influenced your work and why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: I loved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gulliver’s Travels </i>by Jonathan Swift.
The symbolism is amazing; the more you read, the more layers you find.
Inspired by that, I like to hide things in my stories. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the present, picking one book is too hard. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Harry Potter</i> series is one of my
all-time favorites. Again, the layering of hidden plots, which spin to
completion later in the series, really captures my imagination. The last few
books that really pulled me in were Natasha Mostert’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Season of the Witch</i> and Erin Morgenstern’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Night Circus</i>. In both of those, magic caused mental effects for
both the giver and receiver. I enjoy the complexity of that theme and employ
it myself in a very different way. My heroine, Lyra, must learn to mentally
control her vast inherited powers as the new Scribe. That is something she
struggles to master through the series.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Tim
Greaton: For most of us, getting the initial foundation of a story down is
the biggest challenge. That hasn’t been quite true for you, though, has it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: You’re right. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I didn’t struggle with the first two books
of these <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enchanted Bookstore Legends</i></b>,
but had a difficult time finding what internal conflict my heroine needed to
deal with in the third book. I actually had to live it, pass through a
difficult experience in my own life with the recent passing of my mother, in
order to see what the character needed to do. That was a real moment of
discovery for me since I’d been too close to the forest to see the trees,
so-to-speak. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim
Greaton: I understand if you could start breeding a certain species from your
book series, you would have a very successful pet store. Could you explain to
our readers what I mean</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">?</span> </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Marsha A. Moore: The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enchanted Bookstore Legends</i></b> make a
truly epic tale with a large and wonderful cast of otherworldly characters,
including many talking animals.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My main
characters, Lyra and Cullen, must attempt difficulties that stretch their
abilities over numerous quests. But, my secondary characters often bring
laughter and lighten their loads, or encourage their strengths to persevere.
I’m in the middle of writing the third book, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lost Volumes</i></b>, so by now
the personalities of my secondary animal characters really shine and they
feel very real to me. I’m especially fond of my dragons, but one type stands
out as a favorite—pseudodragons.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pseudodragons are not true dragons. They are much smaller, being
only three feet long, including their tails. In my legends, we get to know
the pseudodragon Cullen keeps as his wizard’s familiar—a typical role for
this species. His name is Noba, and he’s a tiny burgundy-colored pseudodragon
who has a heart of gold that makes people melt. He always manages to find
some mischief. I smile thinking about him. He helped Lyra raise a dragon
hatchling. She had no idea what to do with a baby dragon. Noba was great and
made every minute fun! Lots of readers tell me they want a pseudodragon of their
own now!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">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.</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Website: </span><a href="http://marshaamoore.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://MarshaAMoore.com</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: </span><a href="http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://twitter.com/MarshaAMoore</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpage</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Faction staff page: </span><a href="http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://fantasy-faction.com/staff-members?uid=38</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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author page </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamoore</span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Google + </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/100564214132835514192/posts"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://plus.google.com/u/0/100564214132835514192/posts</span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Scribe-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B007JVYSSI/ref=la_B004NF6E08_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343193335&sr=1-1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JhccpTUkL._AA160_.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Avenged-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B0086OO07G/ref=la_B004NF6E08_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343193335&sr=1-2"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51L73zOZy5L._AA160_.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim
Greaton: Thanks, Marsha, for fitting us in your schedule today. I really had
a great time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marsha A. Moore: Thank you so much for
taking time to chat with me about all things writing. It’s fun to share what
inspires my creativity, and being here with you and your readers has been
wonderful.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-61198044992498765502012-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:002012-07-19T20:13:23.441-07:00Interview with Sheenah Freitas author of two YA fantasy novels and a collection of shorts...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: white; mso-themecolor: background1;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span id="goog_1922953314"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1922953315"></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu75blvNPW4edjX3C3AG7LNe1ADKM1bw4xbG-kJr9LNCdxAegWipgcxHdVZDh40vNurN-bEIDKjSLdmKaQ4GFSHCfAf3CXatHoYlsxoK9oMTkEZZJbUoy9_ZiBm0XLWCU3uP9qTrw-pzag/s1600/The+Number+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu75blvNPW4edjX3C3AG7LNe1ADKM1bw4xbG-kJr9LNCdxAegWipgcxHdVZDh40vNurN-bEIDKjSLdmKaQ4GFSHCfAf3CXatHoYlsxoK9oMTkEZZJbUoy9_ZiBm0XLWCU3uP9qTrw-pzag/s320/The+Number+x+250.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHQwYS2YTp7aZnd6lyGlGyJFsD7lzAYh8nR6IyvUcAAK9O_EkPMCyU72uWb3kUEuXntQb0AV5wynJsiYBphPLRx039iR4CttsXGuGPr9Owuou5KZ3UwoDTeSR8L2EAXLvuwMRGRzL3Ua3/s1600/Sheenah+Freitas+x+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHQwYS2YTp7aZnd6lyGlGyJFsD7lzAYh8nR6IyvUcAAK9O_EkPMCyU72uWb3kUEuXntQb0AV5wynJsiYBphPLRx039iR4CttsXGuGPr9Owuou5KZ3UwoDTeSR8L2EAXLvuwMRGRzL3Ua3/s1600/Sheenah+Freitas+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We have a
wonderful young author with us in the forum today. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sheenah-Freitas/e/B004HCAQY2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1342750278&sr=1-2-ent"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">is only in her twenties but she has already published two novels and
a collection of short stories. Having read </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B004VFN1WO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-4"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“The
Chosen,”</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">which is the first book in her Zincian Legend fantasy series, I’ve
been anxious to hear about her next release.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: Sheenah, you and I have a lot of friends in
common. I often hear you talking with many of them about cooking and a ton of
other fabulous hobbies. Could you tell us about some of them?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: I love the arts and crafty projects. I think they’re fun and
oftentimes relaxing. Like when I’m on a writer’s block, I enjoy kicking
everyone out of the kitchen and baking up some goodies. Not only am I
stepping away to look at my work in progress objectively, but waiting on
cookies to finish often gives me enough time to figure out any problems. I’ve
also taught myself web design/graphic design and sewing. The former has been
a great help in regards to putting together a platform and covers. The
latter, however, is more or less so I can modify and make my own clothes and
the occasional cosplay (one is never too old to play dress-up, right?).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: Having read</span> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B004VFN1WO/ref=sr_1_4_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-4&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“The
Chosen,”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">which is the first book in your Zincian Legend fantasy series, I
can say I was really surprised at the variety of characters and creatures you
were able to successfully bring into one story. But you hear another
compliment even more often, don’t you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: People usually say, “Oh, I was so impressed by the quality of your
writing and you’re so young!” I’m glad that they enjoy the work and it’s fun
to give the readers something they’re not quite expecting. I think if readers
stumble upon my pictures (or meet me in person) and then learn I’m an author,
they’re a bit leery because they think they’re going to be reading some sort
of bubble-gum-Twilight-novel with terrible grammar and lack of story, but
that’s hardly the case. I do write the occasional bubble-gum short story, but
I’ve yet to write a bubble-gum novel.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: I know you recently released</span> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Musings-from-Yesteryear-ebook/dp/B0085CYF2E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-1&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“Musings
from Yesteryear,”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">a collection of your short stories. Do you have other works
waiting to be released or is it more of a stack of stories you will likely
never revisit?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: Don’t we all have a drawer full of “not quite there” work and
half-finished manuscripts? I don’t have a stack, per-se, but I do have a file
of work that need some definite work and I have a notebook full of story
ideas. If you would’ve asked me two months ago about my projects never seeing
the light of day, I would’ve answered that many of my short stories would
never, ever make their way into the hands of readers. And yet now they are in
the hands of readers! So, I think with time my old projects will see the
light of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: You have a unique way to prepare for a
writing project. Could you tell us about it and maybe talk about how your
methods have evolved?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: I’m a very visual person, so often times I need to see a scene or
character or place before I can properly describe it. Because of that, my
system is similar to an animation storyboard. I make my outline of events and
as I start to work on the first draft, I’ll start adding sketches of scenes,
characters, and places to help me get a better grasp of what I’m writing.
Even though I’m transferring this mental image I have into a sketch, I feel
that it really helps me when I write to get all the nitty-gritty details
down. I used to have to do constant revisions to get everything down pat, but
now I can get it all down in three drafts because I know what I’m looking for
now when I make my self-edits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: I understand you have one particularly tough
first reader. What’s that like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: I know people are always saying to never ever let your family beta
read for you because they’re not going to want to be 100% honest because they
don’t want to hurt your feelings. However, I let my dad beta read for me.
He’s brutally honest. Maybe a little too brutal, haha. There have been times
where I turn into a melodramatic teenager and slam doors and throw myself
onto beds or the couch and cry and pout over some changes he’s suggested. And
once I’ve come back to my senses (a few hours or after another viewing of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauty and the Beast</i>) I realize that
most of the changes make sense and the ones I don’t agree with, we can
usually come up with some sort of compromise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: I’ve been anxious to talk about your latest
release, which is the second book in your Zincian Legend fantasy series. Could
you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Number-Zincian-Legend-Trilogy-Book/dp/1470178265/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-3&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><span style="color: blue;">The
Number</span></a></i> is my most recent novel, and as you mentioned it’s the sequel
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B004VFN1WO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-4"><span style="color: blue;">The
Chosen</span></a>. </i>The novel starts five years after the events in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B004VFN1WO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1342750278&sr=1-4"><span style="color: blue;">The
Chosen</span></a></i>, so the characters are naturally older and wiser. With age,
Kaia, the main character, really gains a new maturity of her current
situation and finally realizes that she shouldn’t be running away from her
destiny. She re-enlists her friends’ help and they continue on their journey
where they left off. The tone is quite a bit darker from its predecessor with
a world war looming over the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: Do you think of yourself as always writing in
just one genre, and how do you think that influences the decisions you make
about your stories/novels?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: At the moment, I think of myself as a young adult writer. After I
finish with my current trilogy, there’s another young adult book that I wish
to write. But after that, who knows? I love to read great stories no matter
what genre they’re labeled in, so I think eventually I’ll expand on that.
Because as much as I love the voice and tone of young adult books, I don’t
think I could stick exclusively to that area of books forever. I want to
continue writing stories, no matter where they take me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: I usually like to toss out a wild and fun “what
if” question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s say you had an unlimited
advertising budget, how would you spend it to get your books noticed right
now?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: I’ve always thought it would be great to do something like a flashmob.
Except I want to do a flash scene, musical style. I’m thinking I go down to
Times Square and right in the middle of all the hubbub, I set up a stage and
for at least 3 days, nothing will happen. By the time day 4 comes around,
most people would have forgotten that there’s a stage there and when they
least expect it…BAM! My actors will appear and start performing a scene that
I (with the help of a composer and lyricist) musical-ized. There will be
confetti and posters of my book exploding out of seemingly nowhere at the end
of the climatic song and then we’ll take the stage and move it out amongst
the applause. And we can only hope that someone would’ve recorded it and
uploaded it to Youtube and it becomes a viral sensation!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sheenah
Freitas: You can find me at my website over at: </span></span><a href="http://sheenahfreitas.com/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://sheenahfreitas.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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@SheenahFreitas<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook:
</span></span><a href="http://on.fb.me/Nhp4J4"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://on.fb.me/Nhp4J4</span></span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Buy
the book at Amazon: </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VFN1WO"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VFN1WO</span></span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B004VFN1WO/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342752606&sr=1-4&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513Rs-0KvUL._AA115_.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Number-Zincian-Legend-ebook/dp/B007JN4ZB6/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342752606&sr=1-3&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41dF7fgnpdL._AA115_.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Musings-from-Yesteryear-ebook/dp/B0085CYF2E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342752606&sr=1-1&keywords=sheenah+freitas"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QCW6M9f6L._AA115_.jpg" /></a></span></o:p></span><br />
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<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with us today,
Sheenah. It’s been great getting to know you and your work a little better. I
know that a lot of our readers really enjoyed spending time with you as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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Freitas: Thank you so much for having me on your forum, Tim. I’d also like to
thank everyone else for reading this far~! I hope you enjoy my work. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-68989020229322393592012-07-13T21:17:00.000-07:002012-07-13T21:17:32.916-07:00Interview with fascinating and fun children's author, Martha Rodriguez...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, in the forum, we have Martha
Rodriguez, a wonderful children’s book author, game inventor and
international chef…or would that be cook? Anyway, I’m looking forward to
learning more about her and her books </span></strong><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Reel-Cool-Summer-ebook/dp/B006OP0Y1A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237210&sr=8-2&keywords=reel+cool+summer"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">“A
Reel Cool Summer,”</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span></strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smell-Seriously-Stories-Squirts-ebook/dp/B0081CS2Q8/ref=la_B005EO5AIO_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237380&sr=1-2"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Smell
My Feet! 10 Seriously Silly and Sweet Short Stories for Squirts.”</span></strong></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: Martha, it is truly a pleasure to have you
here today in the forum. I’m especially looking forward to you sharing a
little about your heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: Thanks for having me, Tim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm very excited to be here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, let's see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was born in
Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States with my family at the age of
three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how difficult it was for
my parents and grandparents to leave family and friends behind, not to
mention the country they loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
goal was simple: to provide a better life for my brother and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that we will always be grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: I heard a rumor that you are responsible for helping
a lot of friends and families, yours included, spend more time together.
Could you tell us about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: As a tribute to our family and our Cuban heritage, my brother,
sister (born in the US), and I created a board game of Cuban trivia about 15
years ago called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">¡Ay mi Cuba!</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were we thinking? Well, we were
thinking that if we could get about 10 or 15 Cubans sitting around a table
answering questions about Cuba, most likely, laughter, yelling, and fights
(all in good fun) would quickly ensue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
blast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To our surprise we sold 5,000
copies of that game in two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
we know our Cubans, or what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: We all have important people who help to shape
our lives. I know of a particularly wonderful person who makes you smile
every time you talk about her. You know who I mean, don’t you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: Abuela (my maternal grandmother) was someone who had a very
special spirit about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was such
a happy and loving person that bad stuff couldn't touch her -- not that it
didn't try. One of my fondest memories of her is of the time she went to a
Julio Iglesias concert at the age of 70.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although her tickets were toward the back of the concert hall, she
walked up to the stage and blew kisses at Julito, as she used to call him, and
told him how much she adored him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
loved to tell that story... oh, yeah, and the story about how she used to
jump over barrels on roller skates when she was a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was my favorite one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was an amazing person who taught me to
love life, no matter what it brings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
keep her memory alive by telling my children about what a great gift she was
to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, if I'm lucky, someday my
kids will speak about me in the same way to their children and grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a blessing that would be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: What kinds of books do you read? Are they in
the same genres in which you write?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: My favorite genre is non-fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Give me a book about history, politics, religion or a biography and
I'm happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will read other genres on
occasion but it's very rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't write
non-fiction books but I do incorporate the personalities of some of the
people in my life into my writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have many silly family members to inspire me so there is a smidge of truth to
my characters and stories. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: People often say that kids from your stories
are so convincing. One reviewer of your picture book said, “"The
dialogue is written to sound like children really talk. Parents might cringe
but kids will love it." How do you feel about that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Martha Rodriguez: </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: white;">Success!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have three children of my own (now grown)
and many nieces and nephews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that children do not speak like adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have a unique way of expressing themselves that is very refreshing
to me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span>I appreciate that my readers understand that as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's great to get that kind of response
when it's exactly what you are going for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: I’ve been fortunate to meet some of the most
talented authors working today, yourself included, Martha, and I’m always
fascinated to hear about the many writing systems they use. What is yours
like? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I'm supposed to have a writing system?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody told me that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's true, I don't have a system, I just
write when ideas come to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
they are brought about by writing prompts and other times by true events or
the many "characters" in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When an idea comes to me, I sit down at my computer and type
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't worry about errors or
sentence structure or order, I just type what my brain tells me to and then I
go back and organize everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey,
I guess I do have a system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: I heard there is a bit of bribery involved in
the final stages of your story completions</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">. Can
you explain?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I mostly follow my own instincts and have shelved many stories
because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones I think can
move forward I ask my hubby to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He always does so willingly and always with great feedback about
tweaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he enjoys it... or
maybe he just does it for the Cuban food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Either way, I'm glad he's my beta reader (and my biggest fan!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta keep those fans happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight's menu: Picadillo, arroz blanco, frijoles
negros y platanitos maduros frito.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: Even though you do a fabulous job with your
books, I once heard you reject the label of “writer.” Why would you do that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I haven't gotten to the point where I think of myself as a
"writer."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm more like a
wife and mom who happens to have written a picture book and some
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how important it is for
kids to spend time with their parents and I want to write books that families
can enjoy together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want my books to
be the ones with the creased pages, ketchup stains, and tape (or, these days,
the ones toward the top of the Kindle list).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When our kids were little, those were the books that were part of the
family, you know, the ones that went through the wringer with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want my books to go through the wringer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: I’m willing to bet a lot of our readers are
already familiar with your fabulous picture book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Reel-Cool-Summer-ebook/dp/B006OP0Y1A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237210&sr=8-2&keywords=reel+cool+summer"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“A
Reel Cool Summer,”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">so what I’d like to talk about today is your most
recent book</span> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smell-Seriously-Stories-Squirts-ebook/dp/B0081CS2Q8/ref=la_B005EO5AIO_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237380&sr=1-2"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“Smell
My Feet! 10 Seriously Silly and Sweet Short Stories for Squirts.”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: Eight of the 10 stories in </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smell-Seriously-Stories-Squirts-ebook/dp/B0081CS2Q8/ref=la_B005EO5AIO_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237380&sr=1-2"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smell My Feet!”</i></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were originally published on my blog and two
had been hidden away for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
begged me to release them into the wild so I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stories are great for 7- to 10-year-olds
to read on their own or are equally nice for families to read together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: What led you to tell these particular stories?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I started to realize that many of the short stories I was writing
were about relationships between family members or friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many were brought about by memories of my
own childhood and how important those relationships were to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envisioned children and parents reading the
stories together and talking about how Uncle So-and-so might be like one
character or how a little brother or a silly friend might be like
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked the idea that they
would be able to relate to the characters in that way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: How did you decide on the atmosphere for
these stories?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I don't think I chose the tone of the stories as much as they chose
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the warm and fuzzy things
that make me feel at ease and the silly and goofy things that make me smile
big!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: Maybe it has something to do with my creeping up on the looming "50" mark, but I tend to be asking
more and more about epitaphs lately. I’d hate to leave you out, so maybe you
could tell us what your tombstone might say at the end of your very long,
very successful journey through life?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: I would like my tombstone to read...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">How
many characters can I put on this thing? What? That's less than Twitter!
#frustrating #cantanoldladygetsomerespectaroundhere <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: I should have known you’d leave everyone
smiling even after you’re gone. 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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: More information about my books <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Reel-Cool-Summer-ebook/dp/B006OP0Y1A/ref=la_B005EO5AIO_1_1_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237855&sr=1-1"><span style="color: blue;">A
Reel Cool Summer</span></a></i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smell-Seriously-Stories-Squirts-ebook/dp/B0081CS2Q8/ref=la_B005EO5AIO_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342237380&sr=1-2"><span style="color: blue;">Smell
My Feet!</span></a></i> can be found on my self-publishing website, </span><a href="http://www.readtomepublishingllc.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.readtomepublishingllc.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm always happy to hear from fellow
authors and readers at <a href="mailto:martha@readtomepublishingllc.com">martha@readtomepublishingllc.com</a></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several other places to keep up with my
goings-on are my blog, </span><a href="http://areelcoolsummer.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://areelcoolsummer.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
and Twitter, @areelcoolsummer or @smellmyfeetbook.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today,
Martha. You’ve been amazing and fun.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Martha
Rodriguez: Again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my smelly feet...
er, from the bottom of my heart, Tim, for inviting me to be on your blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's an honor to be here with you, your
loyal audience and so many fellow authors whom I've met on-line here and
there and everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm truly
grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to connect with them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-56022659074013969162012-07-02T21:21:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:21:04.551-07:00Interview with urban fantasy author Angela Wallace about her "Dreamwalker" and "Elemental Magic" books...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">It’s
going to be another great interview, because today we have with us my friend
Angela Wallace. For those of you who don’t know, she’s the author of the
popular “Elemental Magic” series, and today is here to talk about her
entirely new release: “Dreamwalker.” I’m excited to learn more about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you appearing here in the forum,
Angela. We’ve been friends for a while, but I’m just now learning that you’re
not always a hard-working novelist. There are actually times when you act a
little crazy. Would you tell us about that?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I’m not writing, I work as a sign language interpreter at a
couple colleges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go into the
classroom where I interpret the teacher’s lectures and any interaction
between the Deaf student and other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The language aspect is a lot of fun, and when I work with eccentric
teachers, I get to be silly and funny myself (because interpreting isn’t just
about words, but manner and tone).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s the only place you’ll see me act goofy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also love learning all these subjects
when I’m not the one doing the homework.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
I once heard you mention a great interpretation story about a squirrel. Do
you remember the one I mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do. It actually happened during my interpreter training program the
semester before graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our class
was doing a series of presentations on the Seven Ancient Wonders, and while
some students practiced English speaking delivery, some practiced
interpreting the presentations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Interpreters also work in teams, so we were practicing how to do that
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leftover students divided
themselves into the “audience,” some with over the head earmuffs that played
white noise so they could be “deaf.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was interpreting a presentation on the statue of
Zeus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell a little behind on the
description and missed what perched on top of his staff, so I looked to my
team to feed me what I missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
threw a sign at me, and even though I had no idea what she meant, I copied it
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, if I spent too much
time thinking about it, I would lose the rest of the speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So at the end, the student playing the
“deaf audience” debriefed with us and asked, “What do you mean there was a
squirrel on top of the statue?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn’t that an image!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great god Zeus with a pet
squirrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all in hysterics for
a long time after that, and at graduation my team drew us all copies of that
statue with a squirrel on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Unlike
me, she’s a real artist.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
lots of amusing stories of “lost in translation” when you’re an interpreter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
Now you’ve got us curious about the artist statement, so I’m hoping you’ll
clarify. And, while we’re at it, would you also tell us about your “unusual” hobby.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like to draw My Little Ponies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It started as a way to decompress during my graduate level study, but
then it was just fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a true
artist; I can’t draw squat from my head, but I’m pretty good at eyeballing
dimensions and forging figures from other pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I add my own touch with the
colors (that’s the best part!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even
made a couple custom designs to go with my books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As for the other hobby, I took up ballroom dancing
a couple months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t afford
lessons yet, though it’s on my “When I’m a best-selling author” list, but I’m
picking up quite a bit at the social parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a blast, and you can be sure ballroom dancing will work its way
into my future books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
We writers are always juggling a combination of old and new projects. You recently
decided that older projects might be a little too much work. I wonder how you
figured that out so easily, when the rest of us continue wrestling with dusty
manuscripts long after it probably makes sense.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My latest release was an old project I pulled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I originally wrote it seven years ago, and
it was not up to par with my current works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve evolved quite a bit as a writer, not just in craft, but also
style and voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rewrote everything
from scratch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the experience taught
me not to publish any other back listed items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost harder than writing something
new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I just have a few short
stories, a novella, and an epic fantasy novel that definitely shouldn’t be
let out of its cage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m more excited
about my current projects.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
What kind of a method do you use to write your novels, and has it changed over
the years?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have become a plotter over the course of my career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that if I work out everything in an
outline first, I can spot plot holes quicker and they’re easier to fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People rave about programs like Scrivner,
but I absolutely must use pen and paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot focus when it comes to brainstorming unless I’ve got an
actual notebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I use colored
pens to organize things, which is good, because my scribbles often go into
the margins, sideways, diagonal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things get crossed out, then rewritten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I need to use symbols to link
things on opposite ends of the paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A year after finishing Elemental Magic, I looked at my notes again,
and couldn’t make sense of them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
You and I share an affinity for beta readers, Angela. Who reads your early
drafts, and how much do you rely on their opinions before finishing a project?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mom reads my very first draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s sad sometimes because she misses out on the polished final
version, but she’s my unconditional fan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On occasion she’ll point something out that should be changed, but I
work with critique partners on the heavy stuff: characterization, clarity,
and my current biggest weakness, lack of description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust my instincts in the areas I know
are my strengths, and am working hard to internalize concepts and strategies
for the areas that are weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think I would ever not work with someone before publishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The collaborative learning experience is
too valuable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
I’m always excited to talk about successful writers past and present because
they always have so much to teach us. I heard a particular author strongly
influenced your current project. Could you tell us about her?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m modeling the structure of my “Elemental Magic” series after Kelly
Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I loved how she moved about in the books to different main
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondary characters in
early books became main protagonists, and later books even went back to the
original ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave variety, but
the characters were also all linked through association, so your favorites
would pop up later, even if it wasn’t their story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
A lot of us have been anxiously awaiting your latest release “Dreamwalker.”
Could you please, please tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Dreamwalker” is a fantasy novella that just came out (June 30<sup>th</sup>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about an ex-soldier with the unique
ability to dreamwalk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She comes out of
retirement when she discovers she’s not alone in this skill after all, and a
dream assassin is threatening her country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Two dreamwalkers: one a devout soldier, the other
a rogue assassin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last one standing
wins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
Will there be sequels or other stories loosely connected to this one?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t plan on sequels though I have a couple ideas, including a
next generation dreamwalker type of thing, and of course the title
possibilities are fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my “Elemental
Magic” series is my main focus and priority, as my goal is to release one
every six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since “Dreamwalker”
is a novella, it’s possible I could fit one in between.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
“Dreamwalker” sounds spectacular, though I think it would have been tough to
write about a dream reality inside of a standard reality. For you, something
else was more of a challenge. What was that?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the descriptions, especially of buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this is a fantasy world, my critique
partner kept asking what the building structures looked like to get a sense
of the society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, architecture is
not my strong suit; I don’t even know what most things are called!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So looking them up on Google wasn’t easy,
either, when I didn’t know what search term to put in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
Given that descriptive difficulty, what made you need to write this
particular story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grew up devouring high fantasy books, but somewhere along the way, I
got sucked into urban fantasy, and haven’t really gone back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High fantasy has become a little...stuffy,
perhaps, language-wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love sarcasm
and snark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I wrote “Dreamwalker”
with a very modern tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dialogue
is casual, and there are even a few Americanisms in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to make this story appealing to
readers who may not like high fantasy because of its language style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might throw some people off, but
hopefully it will reach more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
A little off topic, Angela, you told me someone recently stumbled across the
perfect gift for you. Could you tell us what that is?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My best
friend found this awesome magnet (one of those Hallmark types), and it really
does sum me up perfectly. Might even put it in my obituary. It says:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“She dreamt of mermaids and motorcycles and meeting
a man who can dance.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blog: </span><a href="http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Wallace/232511253453440"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Wallace/232511253453440</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Amazon Author Page: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Wallace/e/B0051XJHN2/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Wallace/e/B0051XJHN2/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaRWallace"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">https://twitter.com/AngelaRWallace</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Dreamwalker on Amazon: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/Dreamwalker-ebook/dp/B008EDE2JU/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Book page with links to various online stores: </span><a href="http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/my-books/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/my-books/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton:
Thanks for taking the time with me today, Angela. I’ve been seeing your “Elemental
Magic” sales steadily rising and was hoping to get you on the forum before
the New York Times and USA Today took up all your interview time.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Angela Wallace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks for having me here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was fun hanging out and sharing all my quirks. Everyone can feel free to look
me up anytime. I love connecting with readers!</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-12445221103921829472012-06-29T22:49:00.000-07:002012-06-29T22:49:07.802-07:00Interview with C.E. Lemieux Jr., author of "Whispers in the Wind" and "Loving Deacon"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Deacon-ebook/dp/B003P2W1LQ/ref=la_B0041FKJ8S_1_2_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1341035087&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZu1OESw9p7ASdUfwH21JuWZhSLqX6ebBQOyaQOVgtkJYL7Ad0cmU5oOc5u2r_lfkhX6SC-EB8Vn8lrMTBMIDIcjXHqootx7UKZu8op2FKuwExAkVjyr99iaQe7maHvLZmc-S0V5q_-8q/s320/Loving+Deacon+x+250.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Today, in the Forum, I’m really pleased
to introduce my friend C.E. Lemieux, author of the amazing novels “Whispers
in the Wind” and “Loving Deacon.” I’m especially looking forward to finding
out what new projects he’s got brewing for us, so let’s dive right in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton:
You and I have a lot in common regarding family, C.E.. I know you are also
still on your first marriage (our poor, poor wives </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">J</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">)
and you have several children. Actually, you’re one ahead of me with four. What’s
your home life like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: I know you’re looking for
interesting here, Tim, but honestly I’m a pretty average guy. I’m a
twenty-seven year veteran of retail management, the father of four kids,
married to the same sweet gal for twenty-five years and live in the same small
town I in which I grew up. I lived in Dallas for several years while in
college and even imagined I would stay there, but once I returned home I
realized how much I preferred the pace of a small town. I live in a very
supportive community and it has provided much of the inspiration for my
novels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Much like a lot of other people out there, things
in our household seem to be moving all the time. With sports and school
activities it is hard to find time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Our family
enjoys fishing and a getaway now and then. My whole family enjoys baseball;
it is something we can be involved in together. We’ve been Texas Rangers fans
for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
I’ve lived on or near the east coast my whole life, but for you that’s been
an on and off experience. I’ll bet our readers would love to hear how that
impacts some people’s eating habits.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As you know, my dad was in the Navy for twenty years. We lived along
the coast most of the time—California, Florida, and Virginia. I do maintain a
great love for the coast and especially for seafood even though I’ve been
landlocked for years. Probably one of my favorite memories was going to Fass
Brothers Fish House in Virginia with our extended family. It had an open
dining area, a large aquarium at the front, and extra-long wooden tables
where you could seat an army. They also had some of the best all-you-can-eat
nights. I can remember putting away an embarrassingly outrageous amount of
popcorn shrimp and fried clams even at the age of eight or nine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
I know your passion for writing goes way back. Do you remember the event that
started the journey for you?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a teacher in high school who was a significant influence on
me when it comes to writing. We had been given a list of assignments for the
year…I believe a total of twenty different writing assignments. One of the
first was to write a short children’s story. After she read my story, she
made a deal with me that if I would expand it to book length and at least
attempt to offer it to a publisher, I wouldn’t have to do any of the other
assignments. I took her up on the offer and I wrote a children’s book and even
created illustrations. I did submit the book to a publisher, but it wasn’t
accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she had tapped into
something and I just continued to write from there on. I have always enjoyed
writing, even as far back as grade school, but that was the first time I
really thought about the possibility of being published.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
Is there a place from your past that still echoes in your writing today?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Though my small hometown has been
the setting for several of my stories, the place which probably influenced me
most was my grandparents’ home in Kentucky. I can remember as a child sitting
out on the front porch with my grandfather and his friends. It was a community
of coal miners; hard, rugged men coming home from working deep in the earth
and darkness each day to find comfort among each other. They were
storytellers and I could sit and listen to tales of squirrel hunting or life
in the hills and hollows for hours. In those stories one could find humor,
tragedy and harsh reality. Little pieces of those nights on the front porch
make their way into my writing even when I don’t really notice it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
You and I have known each other for quite some time, and I’m pleased to be a
fan and one of your reviewers. One of the first things I noticed about your
stories is how real the people are. Is that intentional?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: One of the things I strive for is
connecting the reader to the story and to the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, a good story is one in which I
really miss the characters when it is over. I’ve spent time with them and
become familiar with them. When they become almost real to me or I can relate
to their conflicts, I think the author has done a terrific job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My most humbling experience is hearing from
readers; when they tell me how they became attached to the characters or how
they could find things in my stories with which they could relate it makes it
all worthwhile. I recently received a letter from a reader who wanted to let
me know how much “Loving Deacon” had served as a reminder of life with her
late husband. Reading my novel brought lost memories to the surface for her. She
told me there were parts which caused her to laugh and others which caused
her to cry, but being able to reconnect with those memories had been a moving
experience for her. It was touching to know something I’d written had
impacted someone else so much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
You have two novels available now. What else can readers expect from you in
the near future?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: My first novel “Whispers in the
Wind” was released in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Loving
Deacon” came out in 2011. I have several other novels in progress and one
proof I’ve been working on. At this point, I simply haven’t decided which
novel will be next. Of course, I’d like to get more out there, but I’m a bit
of a pipe-smoker when it comes to making decisions like that. I take my
readers’ expectations to mind and want to make sure I am following up with
something they are going to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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I love your writing system though I’m certain I could never keep up with
anything quite like it. Could you tell our readers how many projects you have
going at any given time?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: I would guess my writing habits are
a little different than many authors who pound out one story at a time. I
actually like having several going at once. I work on one until I feel empty,
then I switch gears and head in another direction. It may be a little
undisciplined, but it keeps me from worrying about writer’s block. I just
move on to something else and come back to that one when I’m ready. I have
two novels nearly ready to publish and at least five others in various
stages. I didn’t start this way, but my odd method just kind of developed
over time. I don’t write series novels so don’t have to worry about finishing
one before moving onto the next. I liken it to letting the well fill back up
before dipping the bucket again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
How do you know when one of your novels is ready for release?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: I’ve got a nice blend of early
readers who will tell me what I want to hear and who will tell me the truth. Isn’t
that what we all need? You’ve got to have some of those people who tell you
that even your “shopping list” is a wonderful read, just to maintain some
self-esteem and then of course, you need those people who will keep you
grounded and let you know when you’ve gone off track.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
I personally LOVED your novel “Whispers in the Wind.” A wonderful story about
heartland living and relationships. Truly a beautiful novel. I’m hoping you
can tell our readers what your most recent book is about?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: “Loving Deacon” is about Andrew ‘Deacon’
Jordan, an average man. His life is less than what he would consider as
significant. He’s spent seventy years in love with the one woman who could
give him a reason to get up each morning and he’s spent every day marveling
at the fact that she’s offered her love to him. Emily is his soul mate, his
reason for living, and the only real treasure he’s ever known. “Loving Deacon”
is a love story and chronicles a seventy year romance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story is largely focused on personal value.
What makes a man’s life significant? Does a man have to do great things in
order to be considered valuable to society? Is it wrong to base your value on
someone else’s happiness? Deacon’s journey leads to self-discovery and the
lessons he learns may help us all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
What led you to tell this particular story?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Although “Loving Deacon” is a
work of fiction, the dedication page clearly explains the inspiration for the
story. My wife and I live in a one hundred year old house which was once home
to a well-respected couple in our community. They had the kind of
relationship everyone wants. Though my characters have flaws which are meant
to propel the story and face events of my creation or of historical
importance, those folks were in the back of my mind when I was trying to
determine the type of values and standards I wanted my characters to possess.
When I was looking for a story to follow “Whispers in the Wind,” I decided to
design characters who embodied the same spirit. I also wanted characters who
would challenge me. Deacon is considerably older than me and capturing his
essence was just another experience for me as a writer. This is similar to
the decision I made to write “Whispers in the Wind,” from a female point of
view.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Will there be a sequel?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: I’ve never written a story with a
sequel or follow up in mind and I can’t foresee any way in which my “Loving
Deacon” characters would return in another story. That said, I didn’t intend
to write a sequel to “Whispers in the Wind,” but I have. After questions from
readers, I determined there was more to the story of “Whispers in the Wind”
and have almost completed the first draft of the sequel, “There’s Something
About Henry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
Which author do you model your work after, or do you not see any parallels
with past works you’ve read?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: I don’t think I try to model after
any one particular writer. I read a wide variety of authors and genres. I’m
sure what I read influences my writing, just as my experiences influence my
writing, but I write what I’m comfortable with in the way I am most
comfortable. I suppose one could find some parallels in my writing with
Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, Robert James Waller or even Jodi
Piccoult. I don’t try to emulate them and I certainly wouldn’t compare myself
to them, but wouldn’t mind it if others found similarities. Of course, I
wouldn’t be disappointed if my sales paralleled them either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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C.E., if you had to put a sign on the bookstore shelves, how would you
describe your work?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Honestly, I see myself as a writer
of bittersweet love stories. This doesn’t translate to genre well, but I feel
it is the best description of what I do. I blend a little happiness with a
little heartache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal is to tap
into those emotions which cause an old bird like me to get a lump in his
throat. I’m a pretty emotionally level person. I don’t have a lot of
extremes, but I like writing which has the ability to influence my feelings
as I read the story. As a writer, if I can use words to tweak someone’s
emotions, then I’ve succeeded in what I set out to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also like descriptive writing, which is one of
the things I like most about your writing, Tim. As a writer, I want to paint
a picture in the reader’s mind. If these things keep me from fitting into the
right box, well I guess that’s the price I pay, but I simply can’t write just
for a genre. I know that’s not popular. I know I could work at writing
something which appeals better on a commercial level, but I have to be happy
with what I’m writing or it is simply a process; something to do, not
something I feel. I’d love for writing to support my family, but if that was
all it was about it would be no different than going to a regular job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
What was the most difficult part of writing “Loving Deacon”?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Research. I simply despise
research. Not because of the discovery, but because it means I have to
comprehend the subject enough to translate it into my own words. If I was
reading it for my own appreciation, I’d be fine with it. I actually like
history and strolling through museums. However, I’ve always been a little
rebellious about reading. When everyone else was reading a required story in
English Literature, I was reading something else. I had trouble reading
because I had to, but I love to read for myself. I’m sure I frustrated a few
teachers with my distractions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Loving Deacon” has so much history in it; it spans
such a large amount of time. I had to consult historical calendars, research
two wars, and the dustbowl. I had to verify events to make sure they were
historically accurate. It just takes away from the creativity and gives me a
brain cramp. I’m more excited when I can just write what comes to mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
You chose a unique presentation for “Loving Deacon.” Could you tell us what
that was and why you decided on that particular tone?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: “Loving Deacon” has a bit of a
memoir feel to it in that much of the book comes from letters and journal
entries. I considered doing it different, but I wanted both Deacon and Emily
to be able to say what they feel and this seemed to be the best way for them
to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I said before, “Loving Deacon” is much about
finding personal value. I think it is a question a lot of people ask. “Why am
I here?” “What is the purpose of my life and am I fulfilling it?” I think
Deacon’s journey resonates with people. In addition, Emily and Deacon have
the kind of loving relationship which many of us hoped to have the moment we
said “I do.” Deacon doesn’t struggle with happiness or contentment; he’s
found that. His struggle is with whether or not “he” has lived a life of
value and importance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
If one of your characters could step out of the page, which one would you
like to meet and why?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: That’s tough. I’d like to meet
Deacon. He’s such a kind and gentle person. I think he’d be the type of man
you could sit and talk to for hours. Abby, from “Whispers in the Wind,” is a
beautiful and caring individual. However, if I had to choose one character to
meet in real life it would probably be J.B., who is also from “Whispers in
the Wind.” J.B. is ornery and fun. He’s a no nonsense type of guy. He’s not
boisterous or arrogant. He’s a person who takes life one day at a time and
finds value in everything. He’s kind of quiet until you get to know him, but
once he starts talking he is the life of the party. And he’s the kind of guy
who’s got your back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
By now, my interviewees have come to expect a few “just for fun” questions.
Why don’t we start with one of my favorite setups: Hollywood. What if one of
your novels were accepted for a big-budget film but after all the
horse-trading it had to become a monster movie. What would that be like?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Hmm…monsters in a bittersweet
love story. How’s that translate? What if a giant alien which shares a
strange resemblance to a lemon descends down upon a lovely Norman
Rockwell-ish town, threatening to swallow it up; its sickly sour slime
working like acid to dissolve everything in its path. The only thing standing
between utter heartache and destruction is Daniel Craig. He uses the remote
drone Q had hidden within the lapel of his jacket to deliver an utterly
impossible concentration of sodium bicarbonate into the clouds above the city
thereby neutralizing our monster and its slime with a salty, tear-like rain.
As the citizens realize just how close they were to Armageddon they are
compelled to open their hearts and pronounce their deepest sentiments to one
another before they face the day when it is too late. Of course, Craig’s Bond
character uses the opportunity to disappear into the night on a train which
slowly climbs the picturesque mountains above the city. With the widowed wife
of the city’s mayor (who was killed before the monster was neutralized) by
his side, he sips a lemon drop martini he’d made from the remains of the
beast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
That would be one heck of a movie (and a much better one than the last Craig
movie I saw). Okay, let’s say the movie falls through but your publisher
gives you an unlimited advertising budget for your next release. What kind of
a fun promotion would you design?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Well, I could try forty million
pieces of confetti with the title of my book on them floating down over
Time’s Square on New Year’s Eve, but I’m not sure anyone would be paying much
attention to what was written on the confetti at the time. I could put it on
the side of the blimp over the stadium during the Super Bowl, but everyone
would probably be watching the commercials when the blimp flew over. I’d take
out an ad on Yahoo, but who really looks at those ads anyway. I could make a
YouTube video and hope it goes viral. I could hire a publicist who would know
more about advertising and marketing than I do, but if the book doesn’t catch
on, no amount of publicity is going to sell it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">You know now that I’m thinking about it, I’d
probably just take the advertising budget and use it to buy a cabin in the
Rocky Mountains where I could sit and write some more books. It seems to me
the best advertising is the response of your readers. There are plenty of
examples of books that came out of nowhere to take the country and even the
world by storm. Word of mouth is the best kind of advertising an author can
get and the best way to get word of mouth advertising is to write something
which impacts the reader enough for them to talk about it. Ultimately, what
I’ve written has to stand on its own. I can write it, but it’s really up to
the readers to decide what is going to happen to it after that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
Though we have every expectation that you will live a long, long time, when
you finally do take a rest, what would you like your tombstone to say?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Uh, well…I hadn’t really thought
of it. I kind of prefer not to think about my untimely demise. Your question
does bring to mind a tombstone I read back when I was in high school which
stuck in my mind. It goes like this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Remember me as you pass by.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you are now, so once was I.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I am now, you soon shall be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prepare for death and follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I always kind of liked that, but to be more
specific As a writer, I guess I’d just like to be remembered as someone who
tried to leave a little something behind--maybe a story which could touch
your heart or bring a tear to your eye; perhaps a passage which makes you
smile, or causes a chuckle to slip out unsuspectingly. I’d probably like to
feel a little like Deacon, that one man’s ripples helped move the waters of
life to keep them from growing stagnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Above all, I hope I’ve been a good Dad and husband
for my family. We don’t get a do-over with things like that, so I just have
to hope I’ve done enough right the first time. As much as I’d like to be
remembered for what I’ve written, it is much more important to me that I have
had the right kind of impact upon my family and friends. I can hit the delete
button and start over on my writing. I can do it as many times as I want to
get it where it needs to be, but I only get one shot at life and spending
time with the people I love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: My blog is </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Words-Written-By-C-E-Lemieux-Jr/229712177059673" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">“Words Written by C. E. Lemieux, Jr.”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> The title is probably a little less imaginative than some
might expect from an author trying to stand out, but it’s me. My blog
generally focuses on things I feel might be of interest to my readers. I try
to offer some glimpse into my style of writing and pick subjects which may connect.
I’m not a daily or even an every week blogger. I try to pick one or two
subjects/stories per month. Anyone who follows won’t be getting updates every
week, but I’ll try to offer something of interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be found at </span><a href="http://lemieuxbooks.com/blog1"><span style="font-size: large;">http://lemieuxbooks.com/blog1</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
or just about any online bookseller. The ebooks are available on Amazon and
BN. “Whispers in the Wind” is also available on Smashwords. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to hear from readers and other authors, so
feel free to contact me at </span><a href="mailto:celemieux@lemieuxbooks.com"><span style="font-size: large;">celemieux@lemieuxbooks.com</span></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Tim Greaton:
C.E., I’d really like to thank you for spending so much time with us today.
It’s always great to spend time with friends and share with our readers.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">C.E. Lemieux Jr.: Tim, it is an honor to be with
you and your readers today. I am such an admirer of your work and to be
featured here with you is beyond my expectations. Your forum is a great way
for readers to meet the people behind the stories and I just hope I have
offered something of significance. I appreciate this opportunity and hope we
can get together again sometime in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-12646245652463657942012-06-24T20:41:00.000-07:002012-06-24T20:41:00.793-07:00Interview with Teresa Geering, author of "The Eye of Erasmus" and "Shasta Summers"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Eye-of-Erasmus-ebook/dp/B003VS0DR8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340595251&sr=1-1&keywords=eye+of+erasmus" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJgzejX4X_hcAno-oopZrPyD4FeHB6LHrpAIHkAF_Omvg2CwBPhg0AXaY0mZKRoTy3jK0Kf_6JhgWB4vEKTfAzJDFR2cp20jR8K16vk30RdBjw1A-n-SkVwn34cSU3V0kEKEWEWEGL1ea/s320/Eye+of+Erasmus+x+250.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Teresa%20Geering" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGTSSfjCS463xsP1rkcSAdTipbTexspedAnHN8lfUGWAXm2Fw7K3ViZ7Y3G2wYXhddHf_WiLf7vTIYPAkdpjG8_f0kmVjxTvLIH_xkSUH7MTSEAqA-Ez0pbiCqlVB82KsrCWdEM-Olq2X/s1600/Teresa+Geering+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, in the Forum, we have a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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 </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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?</span></b></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tim
Greaton: Since I live in a Maine City by the Atlantic, I’d love to hear about
your seaside hobby and any others.</span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">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?</span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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 :-)</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tim
Greaton: Do you think of yourself as a particular type of writer?</span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">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?</span> </span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">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?</span> </span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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 :-)</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tim
Greaton: I probably should mention you’re grinning right now. We don’t want
the Potter fans coming after you </span></b></span><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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?</span></b></span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about *Here lies Teresa
Geering, International Best Selling Author = Veni Vidi Vici*</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">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.</span> </span></b></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes it was a lot of fun, Tim.
My blog site is: </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://tgeering.blogspot.com/"><span class="textrun"><span style="color: blue;">http://tgeering.blogspot.com</span></span></a><span class="textrun"> </span><span class="eop"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The
Eye of Erasmus” and “Shasta Summer” can be found as follows:</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Erasmus Shasta and Merlin The Movies --</span></b></span><span class="eop"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://relaxatnight.blogspot.com/2011/10/20-second-movie-pitch-erasmus-shasta.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://relaxatnight.blogspot.com/2011/10/20-second-movie-pitch-erasmus-shasta.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Shasta Summer” --<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon
US:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B0054RWUKW"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://amzn.com/B0054RWUKW</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazon
UK:</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0054RWUKW"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0054RWUKW</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The Eye of Erasmus” --</span></b></span><span class="eop"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazon
US: </span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B003VS0DR8"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://amzn.com/B003VS0DR8</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazon UK:</span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VS0DR8"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VS0DR8</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="textrun"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textrun"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Teresa
Geering: </span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 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 </span></span><span class="eop"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-40893239958677527602012-06-20T19:20:00.000-07:002012-06-20T19:20:04.989-07:00Interview with Andy Holloman, author of "Shades of Gray"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shades-of-Gray-ebook/dp/B006FZLBF2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340244970&sr=8-2&keywords=andy+holloman+shades+of+gray" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1WrvRaqxlwWJSCSj0GnIhpEZhp1jFwc-UKYPSl1zjTa_vhWAMdVNZlT4BEFKIhboxwKGEZ0ytZpM6J9FMLY2DbdzUCRwWrE4r_-te9CWJMDD8NMtmYzQE_gEE6OcfcbmPDVFfdNHaCz-/s1600/shade+of+grey+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andy-Holloman/e/B006GCV96A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvgUj3T30eRmi97o8bw9pgmb3PLVYrazVRV9N-GBJUXfrxADoxXnLdrb8da196DG5ZSvjfOA1MoNSTvFieCc8Iq76wucUBnzyKxSUtSnzTEw1SlFI4WGwp82JKYltlYKYOkueuJ6yIABs/s1600/Andy+Holloman+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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.</span></strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andy
Holloman: Thanks for the question Tim, and a big thanks for having me as a
guest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been a fan of your site
and your support of writers for a long while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My background is as follows - Born and bred in North Carolina,
currently living in the Raleigh NC area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Since we’re talking about it, where did you get the original
idea for “Shades of Gray”? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This event planted a seed
in my over-active imagination, and that seed developed into my novel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim Greaton: I’m always fascinated by the different paths
we writers take to perfect a story. What’s your story-polishing process like?</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andy
Holloman: I found beta readers to be invaluable to the revision process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim Greaton: Is there any one author who has influenced
your work?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Tim Greaton: Getting back to your novel “Shades of Gray,”
which part of your story was the most difficult to write?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andy
Holloman: My novel begins with an automobile accident that involves the
protagonist and his young daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a father myself, writing
these first several pages and describing the accident were very
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As any parent would
understand, envisioning a horrible event befalling your child is heart
wrenching.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does bad guys especially
well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andy
Holloman: Folks can connect with me through my website/blog at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.andyholloman.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">www.AndyHolloman.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and can also find me on Twitter -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@AndyHolloman<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Facebook – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">www.Facebook.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the link to my book on
Amazon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/AC8rlU"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://bit.ly/AC8rlU</span></span></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">And,
as a special THANK YOU to readers of this forum,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">AndyHolloman<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gmail.com<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">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. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-35303869026705992122012-06-16T01:49:00.000-07:002012-06-16T01:49:04.317-07:00Interview with Arthur Levine, prolific author of "Sequin Boy and Cindy," "Johnny Oops" and others...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_13?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=arthur+levine&sprefix=Arthur+levine%2Caps%2C341" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3fTyh1MeHuMQ_E0fJxozi1y39aJyUg2j35v5w1m9v_Kkoz0EQlik45AUuehkEAQYHMxicwYIjOrLkxxJy9VXXy36VpHkl69r_ptZ4H338pe3n8VkX8ZrZNgn7KpDaveUrm_X7NsSJ__Y/s1600/Arthur+Levine+x+250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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 fun</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></strong></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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.</span> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">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.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess he couldn’t
figure it out either. I use all these things in my writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: I heard a rumor that you actually speak more
than one language. Is that true?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Was there anyone from your past who made an
indelible stamp on your writing?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What was the event that most influenced your
life? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> ‘</b>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been told it’s unique.
That’s just my imagination running wild, I think.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">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 learner</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?</span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: I know how dynamic your novels can be. Where
do you come up with such creative ideas for plots, characters, everything?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What is your most recent novel about?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">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.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine: I don’t know. I wish I did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">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 jealousy</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">)?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, the ideas are
most important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: After writing any of your novels, did you
wish you could have changed something?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arthur
Levine: Not so far, no. Except sometimes I write too much and then I have to
cut, but change, never. Well, hardly ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: Why did you choose this particular tone for
your story?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Tim Greaton: If any one of the monsters could come to life
in our world right now, which one would you choose and why?</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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Levine: Three lines: “Hope I’m still writing in the great upstairs. Hope
someone is reading me. Please send all royalties to my wife.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Levine: My website/blog (with a contact form) is </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://johnnyoops.blogspot.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://johnnyoops.blogspot.com</span></b></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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Kindle for “Johnny Oops” is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Oops-ebook/dp/B0041KL52M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1</span></span></i></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">For “Sequin Boy and Cindy”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> - </b></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085M3BZ6</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Levine: Thanks so much for this opportunity, Tim. I guess I’m a little
surprised by my answers. Hope your audience finds them interesting.</span></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-52019236131259270582012-05-23T13:34:00.000-07:002012-05-23T13:41:37.975-07:00Interview with fantasy author Scott Muller, creator of the "Legacy of Ten Saga"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today,
in the Forum, we have fantasy author Scott Muller. Creator of “The Legacy of
the Ten Saga,” Scott has already released two amazing novels and is now
working on the third. I’m excited to learn where his in-depth world building will
be taking him (and us) next.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Scott, it would be great if we could start off with a quick bio of you. Be sure to give us a little “dirt” about you while you’re at it. </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"></span></strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br />Scott Muller: I’m a mutt, the best of Russian, Polish and German heritages. The grade school I attended was in the country, had less than 100 students, and I still remember the names of all the kids I grew up with. It was the sixties, a time of war, music, drugs and protest. I watched the Beatles arrive in the US, and Kennedy be assassinated from our school gym floor. I witnessed Glenn being shot into space and the Apollo landing on the moon in the same room. By Junior High, I found that I had a gift for math and science, probably an artifact of the times, and went on to accumulate three engineering degrees, including a Masters in Science from Colorado School of Mines. I lived in Brazil for a little over a year and spent my twenty-first birthday in Rio de Janeiro. I have stories of Carnival and those days on the beach which I still cannot share. I love to travel and have enjoyed the hospitality of many countries. I flew into London on the day Princess Dianna was in her car crash and stayed for eight memorable weeks, seeing the funeral, visiting castles, drinking ale and perusing museums. For the last decade, I’ve worked as the Tech. Lead of a Quality organization, breaking things for a living. I eventually grew up and married, then remarried a wonderful understanding woman and we hatched two brilliant kids who challenge me daily. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: As time goes on, do you find the time you spend writing has changed your lifestyle or scheduling in a notable way? </span></strong> <br /><br />Scott Muller: I try to write a bit every day. It takes less time away from my family. The writing comes quickly because I have mulled over the story in my dreams for weeks. The other side of the business—social networking… well, it consumes time like the government spends money. I take periodic days off from my day job and spend them working on my novels in a small Einstein’s coffee shop in Westminster, Colorado. On a good day, I can put 20,000+ words down on paper. People ask if I’m driven to write all the time. No, not really. My wife and kids come first. If my writing schedule needs to slip a bit, so be it. Kids only grow up once and I intend to make the best of it by cherishing and building those relationships. I missed out on much during my first marriage, worrying too much about career and business. I’m fortunate in that, at this time, I do not have to make my living at the craft. Someday, I would like to escape the cube and make this my full time gig! I have found that my author friends, whether romance, erotica, paranormal or fantasy, are a close-knit and supportive group of people. Everyone pulls together. I’ve made some great friends. I also try to find time to build guitars. I’m currently working on a Torres 1937 Segovia Concert replica for myself. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: It seems that most people have a hero or model that they look up to. Which writers have inspired you and have impacted your life and your work? </span></strong> <br /><br />Scott Muller: Models? I look up to Irina Shayk, she’d have to be my favorite. Oh, you meant those kinds of models… Sorry! I’ll carry on now… I have a couple heroes and each has brought something special to my writing. Twain and Steinbeck had a way with everyday folk, how they speak, and how they lived. I try to keep my characters real. Poe was the master of the macabre. His work still gives me chills. I try tried to incorporate Poe in my writing of the dark mage and Lich. Dickens could describe a scene so vividly that you could see, smell, hear, and taste it. His influence shows up in scenes in the Keep, the dining room, and the library. Tolkien was the first fantasy author to blow my mind by creating an entire world of myth, language included. I was hooked. He was the main reason I began story-telling. Tolkien opened up my imagination. I try to be as creative in my development of mythical creatures as Tolkien, but his shoes are very big and I’m afraid I am but a student in comparison. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Do you have a great personal story you tell us?</strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: I met Bob Hope in the Denver airport back in the 70s. It was very late in the evening after an exhausting day spent in L.A. I walked up to him, extended my hand, and said something to the effect of—“Mr. Hope, Thank you for all the laughs and good work you do for our boys at war.” We shook hands, I turned and walked away. He yelled back, “Don’t you want an autograph?” I said, “No thank you! The memory of meeting you is enough.” He snorted and followed us down the concourse and insisted we take an autograph saying—we’d regret it someday if we didn’t. All I had was my luggage. He signed the garment bag with a pen he kept in his pocket—which, I suppose, he kept for just such a situation. He seemed a bit dismayed that I didn’t want his signature. I can’t imagine that happening in this day and age. There was also this run-in with a group of supermodels in London in 1997 at the Hippodrome, but that story will have to wait for another time. I was such a brash American, didn’t even know who they were. Apparently that was quite charming… <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Have any difficult people from your past motivated you to write about and possibly abuse them…fictionally, of course. </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: I really haven’t made many enemies; I’m a very social and easy going guy. There were more than a few kids I went to high school with who have never grown up. I remember my 20th high school reunion. I couldn’t go, so I sent a short one page bio with pictures of me, the family, and the kids, so that people could see what I was doing. They apparently thought it would be funny to use an unkind picture they pulled off the WEB in the yearbook instead of one of my pictures. My kids were excited to see the pictures and their jaws, as well as mine, fell open when we opened the yearbook and saw the picture that my name was under. It was in very poor taste. I burned my yearbooks, figuring that part of my life was over, and that I had no reason to ever go back. I’ve come to the realization that in life, you meet a lot of people who are not worth getting to know. I put my effort into getting to know those that are. None of my characters are based on people from my junior high or high school days, but I’m tempted. Please note, that there were also many incredibly nice people from my school. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: There’s a lot of buzz about your books right now. Could you tell us a little bit about them?</strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: I have two books out. The first is titled, Eyes of the Keep, Book 1, from The Legacy of the Ten Saga. It is a story of a group of wizards who have lost their way, and the original wizards (long dead), known as the Ten who may have facilitated the calamity they are now facing. They have forgotten their heritage, their skills, and have become irrelevant. They inadvertently discover that the world needs their help and unfortunately, they are ill equipped to deal with the dark forces ravaging the realms. Everything they believe is challenged, most of what they know is wrong. The second book was released in January and is titled the Third Sign continues the Saga. I am working on book 3, Darkhalla and have committed 137 pages to ink so far. <br /><br />One of many underlying themes in the series is a lesson in complacency. Another is how those with ultimate power try to repress and control by weaving plausible lies. Finally, it is about teamwork and fellowship when faced with insurmountable odds. I’ve attempted to create a rich world populated by people real enough to be family. I also built a system of magic with complex rules that I hope are as believable to the reader as they are challenging to the characters. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: What part of this story fascinated you and made you want to write about it? </span></strong> <br /><br />Scott Muller: We tend to think of Grand Wizards as all-knowing and infallible beings. I wanted to explore how a group of wizards, who were once considered gods, would react if everything they prided themselves in knowing was wrong. What if their heroes were not what they believe them to be? What if they needed the help of other, common men? Could they swallow their pride? I also wanted to explore the shades of gray between right and wrong. In my book, the sides are not clearly delineated, and often-truth depends on which side of the fence you are standing. I like to ask myself what I would do when faced with two equally bad choices. I also drew from my experience with savants (as defined in 18th century English—expert). I picture these wizards as being savants, brilliant in a single narrowly-focused area (i.e. magic of potions) and yet in others—clueless and ignorant. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: You call yourself a storyteller, not a writer. Can you explain? </strong></span><br /> Scott Muller: Sure. I think of myself as a bard. I can weave incredible yarns. Storytelling is a gift, writing is a skill, and some call it a craft. I am still learning the craft. I make mistakes. My typing is crap. Most people have a bucket list, I have a… screw-up list. A list of things I get wrong. Things like two spaces after a period (old manual typewriter habit), forgetting my comma after said—things like that. I am still learning the craft. I thank people for being patient with me. <br /><br />A storyteller makes you feel like you are in the scene, know the characters personally and are witnessing the action firsthand. The difference is the degree of engagement. A book can be well-written, the prose—beautiful—and yet it can leave a hollow feeling of incompleteness in the reader. A storyteller pulls the reader in and makes them forget that they are reading a book. I have had people read my book from cover to cover staying up all night to finish. When readers write and ask questions about personality quirks of the characters—it lets me know they are more than engaged. They care enough about the characters that they wish to more fully understand their personalities. It is almost cultish. <br /><br />As Yoda would say, “Dialect writing he does—from the dark side it comes. Enjoys it, he must!” <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: One of my rather famous past writing instructors taught that something about a book should always be over-the-top…because that’s what will make a story memorable. Describe a character or setting in your story that is over-the-top. </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: It is humorous and hugely entertaining how much of a bumble these wizards have inadvertently become. They know as little about this fantasy world as the reader, and the two groups take a journey of discovery together. Two of my main characters are more like a squabbling pair of married folk. They have been together so long; they know each other’s buttons and finish each other’s sentences. They are in fact, the medieval equivalent of the odd couple. One character jumps before looking. The other will push someone over the cliff first to see what happens. There is a scene where they are arguing over diner about magic, that several readers have pointed out as a lot of fun, complete with spittle flying, arm waving, fist slamming and almost incoherent talking with mouths full. One reader said they felt the need to clean the food off their clothes when the scene ended. I’m flattered to know my scenes make readers feel as though they are there. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: You have some wonderful descriptive segments in your story. Did you learn your storytelling skills from a family member or someplace else? </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: Someplace else. I enjoyed reading Dickens and Michener as a teen. I guess it rubbed off. People have told me I have a gift for describing a place without weighing down the dialog. It is a great complement, and I hope I can continue to live up to their praise. <br /><br />When I was growing up, my grandfather used to tell me stories about the old country and what it was like growing up in Eastern Europe in the late 1800’s. He would pace his stories and digress into details that left me wanting for more. My Dad is an avid reader and has thousands of paperback books. I used to raid his collection (‘60s and 70s) and read Cooper, Heinlein, Asimov, Z. Grey, and L’Amour. Many of these were written to describe places people had never been. They had to be good at their craft. My grandfather used to only read a few pages a night, then close his eyes and visualize what he had read. I once asked him why and his explanation caught me off guard. He said something to the effect of, “I know what I read, but I am not sure that I have interpreted it correctly. Did the author mean for me to take the simple explanation he provided, or is he trying to distract me like a magician. There may be more to what has been written, this I need to ponder. I need to visualize the scene and fill in the details from the hints I have been given. I need to understand if he meant what he wrote.” He taught me to do the same. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Do you plan a sequel or is your book part of a series? </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: It is part of a series. I have the books planned in the series, however, I can’t fully predict how many there will be. Suffice it to say, I will write as many as need be to tell the story. My outlines are fairly detailed and tend to be about 60-100 pages long. I have also considered taking some of the characters off into side stories. They deserve their own stories and my fans have very receptive to the idea. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: That’s definitely a serious length for an outline. Can you tell us more about your writing method? </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: Sure! I worked on the full outline for the series, broken into books based on my average chapter length of 20 pages. I usually work on two books at a time, trying to keep the story consistent across the book boundaries. For a series, I find I have to be extra careful not to leave omissions or open plot lines. I plan all the arcs and subplots out in detail. I try to answer all the questions left hanging as I move through the series. I find that writing detailed outlines, timelines, and character sheets help me keep my facts straight. I also keep a list of unresolved issues, which I know I will need to address at some time in the future. Once in a while, my characters develop a mind of their own and go off and do something unexpected. I just go with the flow, and let them tell their own stories when they feel the need. These little happy accidents can lead to entire new twists that I never would have thought of had it not been for their help! <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Just for fun, which of your characters would you want to spend a week with in the real world…and why? </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: Sheila, but my wife would never allow it. She knows me well enough to keep us apart. Sheila is a battle elf, 5’7”, 110lbs, dark hair, green eyes, fit, and very physical. She’s an outdoor girl with attitude. Think of a cross between Jolie (Laura Croft), Dushku (Doll House) , and a bit of Summer Glau. Throw in a bit of biker attitude and a good dose of living on the edge, and you have Sheila. We would end up pounding shots and getting into trouble. <br /><br />On the guy side; Zedd’aki, because he seems to have some repressed issues, he’s wickedly clever and has a dry wit. I’d like to pick his brain while hoisting a mug of mead, and gnawing on a few meat pies or turkey legs. His understanding of magic comes from a different place from the other wizards in the Keep. He is the only mage that both fears and respects the magic. He knows far more than he lets on. <br /><br /><span style="color: #93c47d;"><strong>Tim Greaton: It would be great if you could share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly purchase your books. </strong></span> <br /><br />Scott Muller: My website is </span><a href="http://www.scottdmuller.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">www.scottdmuller.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. Everything can be found through the site: autographed softcovers, eBooks, and the blog. My books can be found at Amazon and CreateSpace. They are part of the Amazon Select program, so you can borrow them for free if you are a member. There are direct links from my website to most of these places, here is the Amazon link to book one: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Keep-Legacy-Ten-ebook/dp/B005D1HRG6"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Keep-Legacy-Ten-ebook/dp/B005D1HRG6</span></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Keep-Legacy-Ten-ebook/dp/B005D1HRG6"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Keep-Legacy-Ten-ebook/dp/B005D1HRG6 </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I can also be found on Facebook, with tags www.facebook.com/ScottDMuller, or EyesoftheKeep, TheThirdSign, and soon--Darkhalla. My Twitter ID is @ScottDMuller. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for spending time on the Forum today, Scott. I have no doubt that a number of our readers are already scanning online bookstores for a copy of your book. </span></strong> <br /><br />Scott Muller: Tim, everyone, thanks for having me by. I hope you enjoyed my ramblings. Now, I suppose I should get on with it. As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently working on “Darkhalla,” the third book in the “The Legacy of the Ten Saga.” The goal is to have it out around September. </span><br /> </span></span>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-55673682836486653362012-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:002012-05-17T21:36:44.144-07:00A fun and candid interview with Norma Budden, author of "An Affair to Remember" and "Anticipation"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Today,
in the Forum, I’m very pleased to welcome Norma Budden, author of “An Affair to Remember,” and "Anticipation." Norma is usually refreshingly candid, so I have
a feeling we’re in for not just an interesting visit but also for an
unadorned glimpse inside the life of a very special writer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: Could you tell us a little about what you do
when you’re not entertaining the rest of us?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Well, Tim, my non-writing background is almost as entertaining as the
fictional worlds I create. I've spent most of my adult life in the retail
sector (employed by The North West Company) working throughout various
departments for nearly 20 years. From maintaining a fabric section, to
working in the food service sector and, finally, to administration, it has
provided much entertainment, not to mention, frustration along the way. Of
course, because teamwork plays such an important factor, any day could see me
serving customers in the post office, being a cashier or stock clerk and even
working in the produce section of the store. Let's just say that it pays to
be flexible, in more ways than one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: What was it like growing up in the huge country
north of the United States?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: When I look back to those days, despite having seen many places
because of living in different provinces of Eastern and Atlantic Canada, it
seemed I was always saying, "Good-bye." I learned to adapt rather
quickly each time we moved but, as I grew older, moving had become a
two-edged sword: I looked forward to new adventures but hated leaving great
friends behind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It
shaped my life in ways most people might never imagine; to this day, I cannot
say, "Good-bye." For almost two decades, I've remained in one
Arctic Canadian town. Others come and go but I've learned not to become too
attached to transients, shall we say, for fear that someone will leave and
not keep their promise to be in touch. However, when someone has taken the
extra effort to become a friend, that friend is treated with the utmost
respect and I love him/her beyond what words can relay. After all, each
friend is a gift from God and, with these select few, there'll be no need to
part company for, even if friends pass from this life into the next, they'll
forever remain within my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: I understand that two very special men
strongly influenced who you have become. Could you tell us about them?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Since I can remember, Dad has always encouraged me to shoot for the
stars - that, even if I only hit the top of the fence, it was OK because I
gave whatever I was doing my best shot. That has lingered with me as well as
him teaching me that, when in doubt, it was best to say, "No," that
I could always change my mind later. I've lived by those words, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pastor
John Dueck of Saskatchewan, Canada, influenced my life just as deeply. He
believed in me and, despite the times I've disappointed him, he has never
reserved judgment, nor turned me away. Loving me as a man would love his
child, he helped me through some of the most difficult periods of my life,
for which I'll always be grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Between
Dad and John, and my faith that God will never ask me to bear more than I'm
able, I k</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">now I can face whatever life throws my way. Sometimes it's an
enormous challenge but I know it's not impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: How do the memories of other people and places
from your past influence your life and your writing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: The places from my past that I'll never forget revolve around
relationships - one of which, according to God and society, should never have
taken place. Even so, its demise created a void in my life, crippling me on
the inside even as my outer shell continued to exist. The circumstances of
that time were those I would never want to live through again; in fact, I'm
surprised my heart withstood the pain and pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
retrospect, despite having met one of the most understanding people I'd ever
know, the ensuing heartache, the angry words and glares by others make me
question whether it was worth it. In one sense, it was a period which taught
me invaluable lessons I'd remember for the rest of my life - for which I'm
grateful. However, from another perspective, inwardly, I continue to feel the
need to prove that I'm so far removed from the fragile person I used to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conversely,
the relationship I had that was sanctioned by God turned out to be a
nightmare from which I have to wonder if I've truly healed. Most times I
think I have - until another wave of sorrow hits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
could go on, but won't. Suffice it to say, when I'm writing, I like to write
about characters with hope of loving each other and staying together despite
the storms life presents. It hasn't happened in my own life so I live my
hopes and dreams through fiction. That's not to say I don't lead a full life!
I have three energetic children and a grandchild, wonderful friends, a job I
enjoy and a budding writing/publishing career. Each night when I go to bed, I
thank God for all of the above. I couldn't imagine my life feeling more
complete.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: Norma, I know that you don’t care much for TV,
which is understandable for someone so creative, but what do you do when you
need to take a break from writing? I’m betting you have one or more fascinating
hobbies.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hobbies...it
would be beautiful if I didn't have so many because then I might actually get
more of an opportunity to dabble in those things I enjoy so much. Nowadays,
when I think of my hobbies, it gives me an increased level of stress because
I have to set so many of them aside, for the time being.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For
example, I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles but, with a little pipsqueak
(4-year-old son) who likes to help and then hide some pieces away, sometimes
forgetting where he has put one, or two...well, this is a puzzle it won't
take you long to put together. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
also enjoy cross-stitching but rarely get the time to sit unless in front of
a computer or eating a meal...so that rules out so many other things. Perhaps
I should begin watching television so I can do more of these things, but
sitting for hours in front of a television just doesn't appeal to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photography
- I'm passionate about taking photos of subjects and landscapes from
different angles. I'd do it more often if the temperatures in Arctic Canada
were reasonable during winter months. However, they are far from reasonable
and there are only so many photos I want to take inside the house. As a
result, most photo opportunities must rest until the warmer months of the
year and during annual vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank
God I enjoy reading! That is a hobby I can enjoy anywhere and dabble in
before going to sleep. There's no setup involved, no materials to gather, no
mess involved and it's easy to set aside for another day. I just have to find
more hobbies of this nature. Perhaps this will become my newest hobby -
finding hobbies of this nature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Of course, you and I run in a lot of the same
publishing circles, Norma. And in those circles I constantly hear how detail-oriented
and forthright you are in your work. Where does that come from?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: I’m a self-admitted, bona fide perfectionist! Does that mean my books
are perfect? Heck, no! I'm not sure that any book ever is. Even when a book
seems perfect, when I read through it again, I'll think of a different word
I'd like to use instead and - you got it! If the new word seems SO much
better, I make the change. People wouldn't notice these changes however, so I
have great debates with the perfectionist side of my personality. You should
hear <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i> sometimes!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">However,
I like to think my efforts to make things perfect help people to enjoy what I
write. I hope they continue turning pages, wondering what will happen next
and enjoy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> requiring a
dictionary, because I write in language everyone understands. Don't get me
wrong! I enjoy consulting my dictionary but I don't want ANYONE consulting it
when reading my books; I want them to get lost in the story they're reading.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">One
of the comments I've received most regularly, since writing An Affair to
Remember, is that readers admire my honesty. They enjoy that I can write
about episodes of my own life and how it relates to my writing, which is
something most of them admit to not being able to do. These comments alone
make it worthwhile.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Are most of your works available or do you have a backlog
of projects you plan to circle back to?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Unlike my friend, J.C. Allen (author of M.O.D. and some great YA
titles), I don't have a drawer full of unfinished projects or stories just
waiting to be finished and published. Most every work I've ever written has
been published, whether a poem was posted on my web site, a book was
published or I'm in the process of writing a book with immediate intentions
of publishing it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">That
being said, there are three stories I have partially written - basically
setting the stage for things to come - and I do intend to get to them again,
if ideas for future stories can take a back seat for a while. I even get
inspiration from typos; go figure!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: We all tend to borrow personalities and
circumstances from people in real life. Have you ever fictionalized a real
person? And, if so, did you find yourself changing or exaggerating them?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: When I started writing “An Affair to Remember” there was a cop that
I, loosely, based the story around. Granted, in reality, this cop loves his
wife and family, putting them above everything else in his life. However, I
imagined how he might feel if his wife or family was threatened and, from
there, sprang some of the emotion contained within the confines of the story.
His dedication to seeking justice and protecting his family would prevail.
However, the part where the cop strayed from his family was pure
embellishment as it's something he'd never do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: I’m always amazed at the variety of methods and
writing habits that my friends have developed. I especially enjoy your take
on all of that. Would you be willing to share your “writing system” with our
readers?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Writing system? What writing system? I fly by the seat of my pants
most times when I sit at the computer. Granted, my intentions are to write
but that's not always the case. By the time I check into social networks,
respond to e-mails, post a few things I discover onto social networks and
respond to additional e-mails, my time is often used.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even
so, I seem to be able to meet my deadlines. How do I manage? All I can say is
thank God I've never experienced writer's block. When the time comes that I
open my file and sit down to write, the story just writes itself, often
taking me on the same journey as my readers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: I understand that your latest release is a
very long story or a novella. Could you tell us about it?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: “Anticipation” was created from an impulse idea - and the story gets
stranger as I tell it. With the intention of sitting to write about a couple
who struggles with infertility issues, I started writing about Janet Elcott,
a single woman, whose uncle intended to leave her with a mansion, as long as
she promised not to live alone. She gave in and her life, and challenges,
with roommates began. I certainly strayed off course, didn't I?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: Will there be a sequel? Or do you plan on
exploring other realms or even other genres next?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: To date, I've published “When Love Abides,” which is the sequel to “An
Affair to Remember.” “Soul Confessions,” the third book of my Freedom in Love
series will be released June 30, 2012. I have a sneaking suspicion there will
be a fourth book; if so, I'll be sure to let my readers know - in the back of
“Soul Confessions” and through promoting it online.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: I’m always fascinated by authors with
impressive and growing libraries. Do you plan your stories in detail or are
your works more organic in structure?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Unlike many authors, I can't sit with a detailed outline. If I did,
no story would be published - or, if they were, chances are I'd hate them. I
have to follow as inspiration strikes because, fortunately for me, I'm
created from a different cloth. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction
because I don't know how any of my stories end until their ending has been
written.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Tim Greaton: Did you have a point in one of your works
that was particularly hard to write? Why?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: The most difficult part of writing An Affair to Remember was the
Author's Note at the back. I labored over it for hours, even days, revising
and setting it aside, revising it again. I came to Arctic Canada to start
life anew - to be surrounded by people who didn't know me. By publishing this
note at the back of my book, I knew I was taking an enormous risk in having
people shun/berate me. However, even when I'd delete it, it would find its
way back there. I knew it was meant to be written by the sense of enormous
release I felt when I clicked the publish button.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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guess I've grown over the years because now I look at things more simply: if
friends were to shun me for an episode from my past - from a time when they
didn't know me - they were never friends at all. Besides, if I ever do become
a popular writer, I wouldn't want to have this skeleton in my closet.
Wouldn't that be something? I'd rather tell the story myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: If (or I probably should say when) your ebook “An
Affair to Remember” is released in print, what will the back cover say?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma Budden: The
last thing Monica Townsend expected when leaving her little office was to be
kidnapped and held captive in an abandoned warehouse. She definitely wasn't
prepared to meet Chase Travers - family man, devoted cop - who came to her
rescue then refused to leave her side - even as she stayed in the hospital
overnight for observation. Soon after the sound of a gunshot explodes in the
hospital corridor, the two flee into the night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chase and
Monica become an inseparable pair embarked on a mission to save their lives.
Dark forces are at work that neither could've imagined; danger lurks around
every corner as they race to find the answers. Someone is after her; he is
her only ally - and the enemy draws closer every second.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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run from a handful of the deadliest men in the world or will their enemy
overtake them when they least expect it? Will they be able to get back to
their normal lives or, when all is said and done, will they be able to say,
"Good-bye?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">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.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: I have multiple blogs/sites but they can all be found through
visiting my personal website at http://www.normabudden.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My
books can be purchased at different sites online but each title can be
purchased at Amazon. The link to my author page is:
http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Budden/e/B005NX4XPM<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today,
Norma. I’m fortunate to have some of the greatest forum readers in the world,
and I have every faith that many of them will be looking up your stories as
soon as we finish up here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma
Budden: Thanks, Tim. It was my pleasure and what a great unexpected surprise
- and treat - it was! I do want to take the opportunity to thank your readers
for taking a few moments of their valuable time to learn more about my work
and my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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the candid review, I do hope there were a few times when I've, at least, made
you smile.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-76767551801848961082012-03-18T20:27:00.001-07:002012-03-19T18:28:08.209-07:00Interview with Ron Leighton, fantasy author of "Beneath a Vengeful Sun"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123757" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84D2n5JDstOERXlem2TYzsMI22uaTEjHADSzpAokk_AYsz9XBGQ0SXGwTP3fjwOVt2EA1v484hYLsUUTjRTdYxO3DdX4MKEkc0OXbKcNvUzG5M9DcrR1qbqpiGeFUxuGFN2mA9RM-JH0-/s320/cover+-+Vengeful+Sun+-+250.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_eBwCfK5YNEfAGWtx-loDcqYtElPBmt-KPt5udBbJlIVhq0szGYzCnhgLB9_zACyV38d8qHh-S-a18QY8qjm_QTpaGuNgwNp2u0ISyMgxcfJSz7mCiDZliJpF-9fo3VNF8fdFcsBZrkw/s1600/photo+-+Ron+Leighton+-+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_eBwCfK5YNEfAGWtx-loDcqYtElPBmt-KPt5udBbJlIVhq0szGYzCnhgLB9_zACyV38d8qHh-S-a18QY8qjm_QTpaGuNgwNp2u0ISyMgxcfJSz7mCiDZliJpF-9fo3VNF8fdFcsBZrkw/s320/photo+-+Ron+Leighton+-+250.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" width="213"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Today, I'm delighted to have in the forum Ron Leighton, the fascinating and funny fantasy author who is here to talk about his ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun’ story. We’re also going to get a few exclusive first comments about his upcoming fantasy novel.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Ron, I’ve been pleased to know you for quite some time through our overlapping social networks, however, some of our audience might not be so fortunate. Could you tell them a little about your background?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: I’m pleased to know you too. Thanks for the invite. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My background? Um. It’s just an ordinary off-white wall thoughtlessly interrupted with some non-descript “art.” Nothing special. But of course you meant ‘background’ figuratively. Okay, I am originally from New Mexico, but have lived in California for 27 years, since I was about 20. The bit on my Twitter profile about being an actual Romanian gypsy is…untrue. Did you know that already? However, my grandfather on my dad’s side did come from Maine, by the way. I know there are Leightons in Maine. I’m sure I’m related to some of them. Anyway, he was a merchant marine who ended up in Houston. From there it’s only a hop, skip and a largish jump to New Mexico. So the ‘gypsy’ thing is not entirely ridiculous. I’ve done all kinds of work, from office to labor and beyond! But for the last twenty years, and in relative earnest, I have, come rain or shine, worked at honing my writing. Furthermore, until recently I was simply a high school grad. But now, at long last, I’m taking some college courses. I’m trying to decide if I should continue towards a major. One reason I’m not sure is that school really cuts into my writing time, you know? It is a dilemma. As an aside, I am definitely one of the oldest students on campus and I am more annoyed by 20 year olds than I thought I would be. Just kidding, school buddies.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: I know you currently have quite a number of stories on the market and that you’re also a talented artist (which reminds me a lot of my good friend Larry Donnell). First, which artistic medium do you prefer most? And I think we’d all love to know how you squeeze in the time to learn two difficult crafts? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: Thank you, by the way, for the compliment—I’ll tell my art instructor you think so. I have three short stories, yes. ‘A Cheerful Smoke for the Dead,’ ‘Child of Chaos’ and most recently, ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun.’ They are all set in the world I have created, Varaeim, or the Shining Lands. Regarding time, it helps that I am only partially employed. I’m part of the “new normal,” you might say. The decline in the quality of employment that began in the 70s leads directly to me. It’s so good to feel part of something larger than myself. As for my favorite artistic medium, I’d have to say I prefer charcoal—a surprise to me since it is messy and I generally avoid messy things, mostly because I hate cleaning them up. I recently tried my hand at pastel pencils and I am not yet as enamored with them as I am with charcoal pencils, even though they are a lot neater to work with. I pretty much suck at pastels right now is what I’m saying. But it’s not the pastels’ fault. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Ron, I first read one of your fantasy stories in 2011 and was immediately surprised that you hadn’t already published a number of books. Your clarity, detail and characterization are all beautifully done. Are you a naturally amazing writer or have you put in lots of what I call drawer time, which is when you write and write and write, constantly shuffling the works into a drawer or closet because in your mind they’re not “quite” there? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: Well, that’s nice to hear. I’d like to answer yes regarding the “amazing writer” thing without sounding ridiculously full of myself. Is that possible? Anyway, the answer might be a little of both in a way. I sometimes write scenes or dialogue and they hardly change after that. But what happens more often is that goodish scenes or dialogue get punched up a bit over time. I’ll find just the right thing to turn the scene or dialogue into what I am trying to achieve. Attending a writer’s group—not so much lately—has certainly helped that! The three stories I mentioned were done rather quickly, but crucially, I’d say, they were only finished after feedback from my writers’ group. Another thing that helps me, writing epic fantasy, is that I am very focused on creating something rare, something that just feels a certain way. So I guess what I mean is I have developed or am still developing a mindset from which I write. I’m sure I didn’t invent this and it doesn’t require hallucinogens to get there, I swear. I want readers of my fantasy to get chills as they suddenly feel that, despite the fantastic elements in the story, they are immersed in a very real place with very real people (and monsters). Whether I achieve that is another question, but simply and desperately desiring to create such epic fantasy helps, I think. Do I as a writer want to create something special or not? I really, really want to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Because we writers tend to start out telling real life stories, I wonder if you have a funny or exciting event from your past that you’d like to tell us about? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: At the beginning of ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun,’ there is a black pit. When I was a teenager hiking in the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, N.M., a friend and I found an abandoned mine high up—and way off—a narrow, winding trail. About twenty yards into this dark mine we found a hole preventing us from going any further. The tunnel went on in three directions on the other side of this hole—this pit—but I couldn’t shake my fascination with the pit. I dropped a stone into it and, as I recall, it took some time to make a noise. My friend and I imagined that mine contained more potential for adventure than you could shake a stick at—if only one could get beyond the pit! I still have an itch in the back of my mind to get beyond that pit! So, yeah, I’ve always wanted to put the pit in a story and now I have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">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?</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: Up until about a year and a half ago, I had only my own instincts to rely on, which, as you may know, are good to have though it is also good to understand their limits. I started attending a writer’s group. I think I actually got the idea from a literary agent who gently rejected my request for his or her representation. Or maybe from an agent’s blog. I can’t recall exactly. Being in a writers’ critique group has helped tremendously. As a writer and as the originator of a story, you can develop blind spots that, to put it simply, are not blind spots for others. You discover both good things and bad in a critique group. Such a group’s goal could be summed up as “maximize readability.” So, feedback is invaluable and indispensable. Even the most accomplished writers would agree, I think. As for beta readers, no, I’m afraid not. I would like to have one. Volunteers are being accepted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wait! That’s not entirely true! One gentleman in my group did a great deal of beta reading for my novel! Guy named Peter Jessup. Invaluable input. By the way, the novel is called ‘Belt of the Wolf’ and I hope to have it out in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: What is your most recent story release, Ron? And could you tell us about it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: My most recent story is called ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun.’ Like ‘A Cheerful Smoke for the Dead’ and ‘Child of Chaos’ before it, it’s a short story. It is specifically about a young Kuetran (koo-Eh-trun) woman named Ránača (ray-NOTCH-uh). She’s a slave, a concubine, kept by a large estate owner, Hergesto, who lives in the country just east of the Waywood in the land of West Kuetra (or, the Eastern March, as the powers-that-be call it—you can look at a map at my blog). She’s faced with—what is to her, and would be to many—a hard choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: What led you to tell this particular story? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: There is a point in my nearly-edited novel when Ránača, the protagonist in ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun,’ talks about some of her life with another character. I always wanted to tell some of that story, but didn’t think it fit in the novel. Actually, now that I think about it, my aunt Michele read my novel. Though she didn’t really do it as a beta reader, per se, she did provide some feedback. One of the things she said was she really liked the character Ránača. That reinforced my own special feeling for this character. Okay, maybe I have a crush on her. Anyway, in the novel, Ránača is a secondary character, but a very good secondary character! Now, I think, when in the future someone reads my novel, they will, having read ‘Beneath a Vengeful Sun,’ recognize Ránača and feel like they know her already. Personally, I always want stories like that—the stories in the stories that are only hinted at. I think it makes the world more expansive, gives depth to its backdrop. I crave even the back-stories about secondary characters. I guess what I’m assuming is that others might feel the same way. But I’d do it anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Will there be other stories connected to this one? Or do you plan on exploring other realms or even genres next? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: I am committed to epic fantasy over the long term, though I won’t rule out dabbling in other genres. The world I’ve created is complex and full of countless people (and creatures) and places, as well as possibilities—histories, cultures, myths, legends, etc. Frankly, I can’t wait to discover them all! There will likely be more short stories set in this world, some directly related to my upcoming novel and some not. I am considering writing more shorts specifically about other characters in my novel. But to answer your first question directly, yes. I think there will be stories about the further adventures of Ránača. She’s an interesting person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Which author do you model your work after, or do you not see any parallels with past works you’ve read? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: I’ve read only a very small number of fantasy writers. Tolkien, of course. But after him, only Robert E. Howard of Conan fame, as well as his co-writers and legatees. I’ve read Robert Jordan, but only his Conan novel (can’t recall its exact name). However, if you come to my writing specifically looking for carbon (and necessarily faded) copies of Tolkien or Howard, you’ll be disappointed. I’m trying to go in my own direction. As to avoidance of fantasy, partly this has to do with my nearly-superstitious wish to steer clear of undue influence and bleeding-over. I once read that for a fantasy writer to avoid clichéd and formulaic results he or she should simply avoid reading fantasy. Read other stuff, this guy said, including non-fiction. I think he was right. As for being modeled on other writers, I don’t think so, except in the most general sense. They write epic fantasy, I write epic fantasy. (I am aware, however, that my map is particularly Tolkienesque.) I try hard—most often while not really knowing what I’m doing—to blend fiction and nonfiction writing in a way that produces story with realism. I like fantasy, but I’m a stickler for realism. Go figure. I get bored really quickly with fantasy filled with characters that don’t feel real to me, or worlds that feel two-dimensional. Of course, since I don’t read much of it, it’s usually an instinctual reaction to something. Did I answer the question?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: You answered the question exceedingly well, Ron, and while we’re talking about it, you are a spectacular interviewee. Your personality and facility with language really shines through in this format, and I for one am having a ball. Thanks again for coming.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting back to Ron-business, which part of your story was the most difficult to write? Why? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: I tend to be better at dialogue and certain kinds of, I don’t know, idyllic scenes, but feel a little clumsy writing action. I think it is in part because many of my scenes tend to revolve, really, around world-building—hopefully in the most subtle and with-the-flow manner. Writing action requires a break from that. Action is boom, boom, boom, you know? So, yeah, the action scenes were definitely the hardest. But I am getting better at it! My novel will show this, he declares with confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: If one of your works made it all the way to Hollywood, what kind of a monster would be in the film? And which actor or actress would you have battling it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: I’d like to think Hollywood would be wise to make a movie of one of my stories! But I think I’d be worried they might screw up my characters or change the heart of the story…I wonder if all writers feel that way? What was your question? Oh, yeah. Regarding a monster, think zombie giant (yes, it’s copywrited already). He could fight an equally bizarre creature—to the death, perhaps? The actor would likely be wearing a motion-capture suit, so maybe Andy Serkis (Gollum) or Willem Dafoe (Tars Tarkas in the new John Carter of Mars movie) could play the part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wondering who will play Ránača. Somebody tough and beautiful like Sarah Silverman. The potty mouth would okay, but she’d have to dye her hair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: (In the interest of semi-disclosure, I’m currently protecting my William Dafoe and Sarah Silverman studio posters. For an author, Ron’s pretty quick, though </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) 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. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: Readers can visit my blog at <a href="http://ronleightonauthor.blogspot.com/">http://ronleightonauthor.blogspot.com/</a> There they will find the aforementioned map as well as various stories and myths set in my world. My unrelated art is there too. To get my stories, the ones mentioned above, readers should go to my Smashwords profile at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ronrexl">https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ronrexl</a> Should I mention my Twitter account? @Ron_Leighton And last but not least, readers can go and like the Tales of the Shining Lands Facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-of-the-Shining-Lands/170628579698609?sk=wall">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-of-the-Shining-Lands/170628579698609?sk=wall</a> I think that covers it. Did I say readers should go to my Smashwords profile?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tim Greaton: Thanks for taking the time with me today, Ron. I’m fortunate to have some of the greatest forum readers in the world and I have every faith that many of them will be looking up your stories as soon as we finish up here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ron Leighton: No, thank you. I really appreciate the opportunity. I’m waving to the audience/readers right now but they can’t see me, so… Thanks, everybody! Happy reading. And may the gods bless you with showerings. I may have translated that wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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</div></div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8947138141834946100.post-19147187107954277852012-03-10T21:42:00.002-08:002012-03-11T07:12:57.852-07:00Interview with Linell Jeppsen, author of the amazing sci-fi novel "Story Time"...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Time-ebook/dp/B006ZF3U10/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331444345&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SDCJ_Buefb8OrIFOQjSRDnhAw6FkxOe4pYdTxxZ-1SnIrXVfmAy-QbHba5DFuE76dD9YYu0Y9eSa0sHtMj55_xpfZjjfbkQvhBkkmcxGd0j2gHdfyctm8f_m5m1Mr1nvU2IVlmQELU4I/s320/cover+-+Story+Time+-+250.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linell-Jeppsen/e/B004VY25XG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWE6J4mu7vwBxiExnJ8j4u9FRN8friBpHdlk30wU0va-eIViJMYx0rcXMLm99qqX1IF9hEZZxmDu4ijimCVtx8jCdRof049F3-KEpzk7slyDRfOjp-sYMu13CjoBfuJ5lUfe3PFiOSV8m/s1600/photo+-+Linell+Jeppsen+-+250.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" width="213"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I am pleased today to introduce friend and consummate storyteller Linell Jeppsen. She’s here to talk with us today about her apocalyptic science fiction novel <em>Story Time,</em> one of my favorite recent books.</strong></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td colspan="3" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.65in;" valign="top" width="638"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Linell, you’ve had a fascinating life, which I think our readers would love to hear about. I’ve heard you’ve been in some tight but exciting scrapes. Could you tell us about one or two of them while you’re giving us some insight into your past? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: All right… who have you sent to spy on me? LOL! Actually, I’ve had a fairly normal life, although I hope most of the younger set does NOT follow my example as they muddle through their teenage years! (child of the sixties…er-hm).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One of my favorite stories involves my childhood. I was about nine years old and LOVED TV. My mother was studying for her Master’s degree and got so sick of hearing the television blaring away in the living room, she hid the TV from me. When I got home from school that day I screamed, “Where’s the TV?” She said it was broken and being fixed (with a straight face). I said, “Well, what am I supposed to do now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I suggest you read something.” I said, “whaaaaat?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She answered, “Try this book…it’s good.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Gone With The Wind…and it really was good.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Three years later the TV magically re-appeared, but the damage was done. I started reading, and writing that very day, and haven’t stopped yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: What made you decide to join the world of scribblers? And how has it influenced the path you’ve taken and plan to take? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: I told my husband one day, about twenty- five years ago, that I wanted to write a book about vampires. He said, “Okay, do it.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What if I’m no good?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “You’ll never know until you try it.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, frankly, I wasn’t good at it- not then, anyway. I wrote my novel, The Hunt, and put it in a box until about a year and a half ago. When I pulled the manuscript out of the box and blew the dust off, I knew what needed to be done with it. Time- experience- more education, and maturity helped me become a writer. Since then I have written an award- winning short story, another novel called Story Time and am about half- way through my newest work, entitled ONIO.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Since we’re talking about writing, what has been the high point of your career so far? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: Well, there have been highs AND lows since I picked up the pen (so to speak!) I was thrilled to be picked up by a publisher, but terribly disappointed with the results so I went Indy with my work. I’ve been having a blast! It’s a great feeling to have a total stranger say that <em>Story Time</em> brought tears to their eyes or have a reviewer tell me that they look at life differently after reading my novel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton:<em> Story Time</em> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">is an amazing science fiction novel. I’ve heard that you’ve had a science fiction kind of event in your life that readers might find hard believe.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: I DID! I used to live in a log cabin up on the tippy-top of a mountain. The house was a little run-down and shabby but it had windows that wrapped all around it so the views were amazing! One night I was sitting in my living room reading. It was very quiet and my three dogs were sprawled around the floor snoozing… like dogs do. Suddenly, the whole room filled with a bright green light. All three of the dogs jumped up and ran to the far window barking and growling. I ran to the window and looked out at the night sky. There was a giant green ball of light moving very slowly across the horizon…I mean really, really, slowly! The dogs were having a panic attack and so was I at this point, so I called my husband at work. “There’s a U.F.O crawling across the sky!” (I screamed). My husband said, “What am I supposed to do about it? Lock the doors!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The U.F.O. sailed blithely on…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Most of our readers won’t realize just how busy your life is, given your hectic home life and your store duties. How do you ever find time to write such amazing novels? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: Sometimes it’s hard, I admit it. I run a bookstore and try to write at least two chapters a week. I also have a house to maintain and a husband who will eat nothing but potato chips if left to his own devices. Writing is a labor of love though. Once I get a story running through my head, its clamoring to get out. Writing can be infuriating, frustrating, challenging and, in the end, the most rewarding thing in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Our goal today was to talk specifically about your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> novel, which is one of my top favorite recent science fiction books. In a few minutes, I’m going to throw out my twisted view of your book, so this is your last chance to tell our readers the truth about this amazing tale and how you came to tell it? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: I live in Washington State, quite close to Grand Coulee dam and the Hanford nuclear reservation. There has been a lot of speculation about what would happen if a mighty earthquake broke the dam. I sketched out a series of possible scenarios, tossed in some people- (good folks and some terrible, criminal types), sprinkled them with some aliens and tossed it all into a big post-apocalyptic salad bowl. To be honest, emotion started to take over at some point so the characters came alive for me. When I finished writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> I put my head down on my desk and sobbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: I’ve said it before, and it deserves repeating—your novel is unique enough to be a successful movie. Have you read a lot of science fiction which might have fed into your vision, or are you just one of those geniuses who wakes every day with a million-dollar idea? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: I would love to see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> made into a film. I like the message it sends: that we are in this life together and despite our differences, we should try to love one another, as a species. And yes- I think every sci-fi movie I ever read or movie I watched contributed in some way to the novel. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: I was hoping you might tell us which scene was your favorite to write? How long did that one take you? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: Okay- this is going to sound hokey, but the hardest stuff for me to write is romance. I fretted and moaned about a love scene I knew was coming up. I had to write…and write some more…and delete everything I wrote. Finally, I chickened out entirely and just kind of jumped over it! LOL- you Know what I’m talking about!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: You and I have dozens of friends in common, and everyone says that you’re one of the kindest, most helpful people they know. Does that come naturally or is it just an act? </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">(For the record, Linell has thrown two pencils and heavy, leather-bound book which barely missed my grin) </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Seriously, do you think your kindness or other personality traits are reflected in your characters?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I DO try to be kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that common courtesy is lacking in today’s society and I think that those of us who try to be good, decent people will be rewarded…even if it IS only with a cheese-head award! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Can we look forward to a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> sequel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I do a sequel for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> it will be a ways down the road. First, I have to finish my Sasquatch novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Onio </i>(which is HUGE, BTW), and go back to finish my haunted western, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deadman’s Lament</i>. In addition, I might be doing a joint effort later this fall with a good friend of mine, Bryden Lloyd!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: Just for fun, if a national advertising firm offered you a free promotion to drop flyers from hot air balloons over New York. What would they say? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: “It’s the end of the world as we know it! Squeeeee!” LOL!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: It would be great if you could share your website/blogsite and links to where our audience could directly purchase your books. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: Thank you- go to </span><a href="http://www.linelljeppsen.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">www.linelljeppsen.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, or directly to Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Story Time—<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Time-ebook/dp/B006ZF3U10/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331444345&sr=8-3"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/Story-Time-ebook/dp/B006ZF3U10/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331444345&sr=8-3</span></a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Hunt—<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunt-ebook/dp/B004VF7BJS/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331443306&sr=1-3"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunt-ebook/dp/B004VF7BJS/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331443306&sr=1-3<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tim Greaton: After our time together, I expect that a number of our readers are probably searching online bookstores for your novels right now. I really appreciate you spending so much time with me today…but, probably more importantly, I truly appreciate you writing the fascinating novel called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">STORY TIME</i>. It has been the highpoint of my recent reading list. Thanks for spending time on the forum today, Linell.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Linell Jeppsen: Thanks so much Tim for reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time</i> and taking the time to review it and give me an interview on your blog-site. One of THE MOST IMPORTANT gifts I’ve received since becoming a published writer is the friendship and support from people like you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tim Greaton: Here’s my review of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Story Time…<o:p></o:p></i></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the best Sci-fi stories I’ve read in years…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The apocalyptic novel Story Time by Linell Jeppsen shines with intelligence and reads with the clarity and speed of an action movie, shaming works by some of the best-known science fiction writers of our time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2015, a young teacher is asked to return to her parents’ ranch in Kettle Falls, Washington to spend the week with her seventeen- and twelve-year-old brothers while her parents vacation in Hawaii. None of them could have known that their world would begin to crumble that very week. As earthquakes and volcanoes lay waste to inland cities, tsunamis, hurricanes and floods obliterate the coastal areas. Horrified, Naomi, Zack and Josh are forced to watch the destruction of their world, first through television images and ultimately by firsthand experience. Because their parents’ ranch encompasses 1200 acres of timber and prime farmland, complete with livestock and a greenhouse, they fare better than most and ultimately find themselves taking in survivors, first by the handfuls and then by the dozens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can best describe this book as a more tightly focused “The Stand” or even a more gripping and believable version of the movie “Independence Day.” Either way, I encourage every reader to delve into this hair-raising account of a future that seems so convincingly real that I can still see the horrific and emotional scenes unfolding as I write these words. Through the shifting vantage point of the overwhelmed young teacher Naomi, the reporter Steve Cummings, and the giant basketball player Michael Anderson (who resembles Michael Jordan in my mind’s eye), we witness the utter destruction of planet Earth, an event which has apparently signaled a free-for-all among ruthless alien races who arrive to harvest the magnetic energy beneath our soils. Blood coats the ground as alien ships strafe what remains of our dying planet. In the midst of it all, Harmony Ranch’s population swells into the hundreds and becomes the target of a radical religious group known as “The Angel’s Sword.” It’s truly a battle of good versus evil as the last vestiges of humanity struggle to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To tell you how these events unfurl and culminate would steal away half your fun, but rest assured your eyes will be riveted to the very last page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give Linell Jeppsen’s Story Time a colossal FIVE STARS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reviewed by “Maine’s Other Author”<sup>TM </sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim Greaton<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 117.2pt;"><br />
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</tbody></table></div>Tim Greatonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15421019722509141203noreply@blogger.com14