Author Mark Jackman

Author Mark Jackman

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.



My name is Mark Jackman. I am about to turn twenty-nine, which is technically old to teenagers. I am a research scientist, by trade, and, in my relatively short career, I have stabbed a syringe full of drugs into my chest cavity, started a fire, and splashed concentrated acid on my face. If I don’t make it as an author, I may not reach thirty.

I was born in Great Yarmouth, a tacky seaside resort on the east coast of England. Currently, I live in Loughborough, which is just south of Robin Hood country. TALLY-HO! I love playing sport, going to the gym, and I am more than partial to a beer with the boys.


What is your earliest writing memory?


It was a painful experience. I had written all over the walls of the lounge and my mum walked in. It’s amazing I picked up a pen again. My mum has a great left hook.


What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?


I was ecstatic when I finished The Great Right Hope as I had finished writing an actual novel. Then I read it and realised that the editing process would take a long, long time. I struggle with the idea of “completing” a piece of work, and I could iteratively change a manuscript until the sun burned out. At the start, I found it really difficult to edit, and cut things out. When I started writing, it felt like I was typing sixty words an hour so to delete something that took days to write was heart-breaking. I soon got the hang of it (and of typing-thank God).


Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.


LL-Publications recently released The Great Right Hope, my debut novel, as an e-book. The Great Right Hope is the tale of Sid Tillsley, a forty-six year old disability benefit-fraudster, from the north of England, and one thing sets him apart from his northern brethren. Yes, he's an overweight alcoholic, and he's also sexist, homophobic and a lazy git... but what makes him different is that he can kill vampires with a single punch.


Now, as you can imagine, killing a vampire with a big right hand is pretty amazing. After all, the undead are big, tough guys who can regenerate and stuff, and if anyone could kill them, the first time Dracula tried to break into a virgin’s bedroom, he would have been maced by the safety-conscious lady, tasered, arrested, sent to prison and turned into Big Dave’s bitch. So, when Sid kills a vampire, the whole vampire world is thrown into a state of shock.


In the north of England, another monster has arisen, and one who doesn't subscribe to 'Tits' magazine. A vampire beast is stalking the Yorkshire moors, mutilating and destroying everything in its path. The vampire elders realise that the Firmamentum has cast its shadow on the world once more. A phenomenon, which happens every few millennia, where a human and a vampire are born ultimately powerful and destined to oppose each other. If Sid doesn't face the vampire monster, it will jeopardise the relative peace between the species and full-blown war will be inevitable.


That's all well and good, but Sid just wants to get drunk down the pub with his mates, and, maybe, just maybe, end his two year drought with the ladies. Besides, Sid has more important things to worry about... the Social Security Disability Benefit Fraud investigators are on to him, and, if they see him fighting, they'll realise that he has been illegally claiming disability benefit for his bad back and dodgy heart.


I am half-way through the second book of The Sid Tillsley Chronicles (of three), and I am having a lot of fun with it.


In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?


I love superheroes, but I didn’t want to write a traditional superhero tale. I decided that my hero would be a little flawed. Sid is most definitely a real person, who just happens to be able to kill the undead with a big right hand. A lot of stories place normal people in abnormal situations, and that is something I wanted to do, but I wanted to put a different spin on it. Sid Tillsley couldn’t give a damn about the abnormal, and he somehow manages to bring the abnormal down to his level, rather than rising to the occasion.


Everyone knows someone like Sid. A miserable old bugger who is stuck in their ways, and isn’t willing to change for anything or anyone. Not even for a two-thousand-year-old, super fast, super strong vampire immortal.


Even the best vampires need a good smack.


I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

Most people, outside the UK, don’t know that there is actually a big divide here, between The North and The South. With a massive sweep of my stereotyping brush, The South is more affluent, the people are well-spoken and when you think of the traditional English gent, you are most certainly thinking about The South. You’re thinking of Hugh Grant, aren’t you? Bumbling along and acting quite the klutz in his delightful charming way. STOP IT!


OK, I want you to add hundred pounds of flab to Hugh’s delicate torso. I want you to rub some cooking oil in his hair, and over his face. We need to break his nose, now, several times (that felt great!) and for the coup de grace, a healthy dose of alcoholism. Now, let’s give him a compass and send him north to his new home. The North is VERY different, but, The North is where the laughter is. In The North you will find the best pubs, the best beer, the most laughter and a beautiful down-to-earth manner that makes everything that more enjoyable. If you are not from the UK, then chances are you have not experienced this different English culture, and that is where The Great Right Hope comes in. The book thoroughly embraces everything about The North, and then adds some vampires for good measure. Why not?


Move over Hugh Grant, Sid Tillsley is coming through, and you’d better move fast because he had fifteen pints of beer and a curry, last night, and if he doesn’t make it to the gents’ toilets...


I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?



After I have no more tears to shed and the vomiting has passed, the depression really kicks in. Seriously though, I love constructive criticism. The Great Right Hope is my first novel, and it is going to take me a long time to hone my art, and become the master of the written word that I want to be. There are so many of them damn word things to learn. Dictionaries are bloody massive, you know? Feedback on how to improve what I do is very well received. If someone doesn’t like my comedy or my story, then that doesn’t bother me too much. Comedy is probably the most subjective genre there is, is never to everyone’s taste. That said, I think most people will have a chuckle at my work.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?


Writing has the potential to be the greatest job in the world. A laptop is all that is needed, and on writing my first chapter I dreamt of a life where I could play a few holes of golf in the morning, stop off at the clubhouse for a couple of pints, write a chapter, if I felt like it, play a few more holes in the afternoon, in time for 5pm when I could meet my mates for a beer after work. Sailing round the Mediterranean with a laptop was another dream. It took me a while to realise that I would have to sell forty-five million books a week to fund my desired Playboy lifestyle. It’s one of life’s tragedies that Bunnygirls are expensive to keep. My feet are now planted firmly on the ground.


At the start, there was no-one in particular who I aspired to be, and, to be honest, there still isn’t. However, on joining various writer’s groups, I have seen a number of individuals who give a helping hand to us newbies, starting off on what, in my opinion, is the second hardest career path in the world (a prize to anyone who can guess the first). Guys like Brenna Lyons and Jolie du Pre who take time out from their busy schedules to offer advice, make a difference. Even a quick word from an experienced writer helps. Rick Reed dropped me a hello, and wished me luck. The guys on the Jeanie and Jayha Yahoo group are brilliant, and make me laugh every day. It all adds up to give a new guy confidence in “getting out there.” In the future, if I ever find myself in that sort of position, and I can do something similar to help, I’ll be a happy man.
I read a lot of Terry Pratchett when I was growing up, and was so sad to hear that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is such a cruel affliction for anyone, especially an author whose creative mind is their life, to suffer from. I am giving half the money I receive from e-book sales to charity. Half of which will go to the Alzheimer’s Trust and the other half will go to a baby hospice in Middlesbrough, the town where The Great Right Hope is set. To find out more about these charities follow this link: http://www.mark-jackman.com/MJ/charity.php


What books would you recommend on writing?


Unfortunately, I can’t give an answer to that. Writing has snuck up on me. I had a story to tell, and, before I knew it, I had told it. The internet has been my biggest resource (surprise, surprise).


If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?


I should have taken advantage of more groupies.


What advice would you give an aspiring author?


Write. Just write. It doesn’t matter if it is good or bad, you just need to write. When you start, it isn’t worth getting tied up with grammar, spellings, etc, as the important thing is to be creative and have fun. If you don’t enjoy that, then you are not a writer. Once you realise that you are, it is time to learn the art.


Where can readers learn more about you and your books?


That’s the first easy question that you have asked me. If you are interested in little old me, then my website is the best place to go: http://www.mark-jackman.com/MJ/MJ_main.php and if you want to hear me ramble on, then I guess my blog is the place to be http://mark-jackman.com/blog. As for The Great Right Hope, it has its own website: http://www.mark-jackman.com/GRH/GRH_main.php From my website, you can drop me a mail and say hello. I’d love to hear from you! I am also a member of the world’s oldest, fattest, least-talented boyband. I started “Five Inches of Steel” in a bid to promote my book, but now it is just a good laugh! Check it out: http://www.mark-jackman.com/MJ/5inches.php New releases are monthly. Sorry.


I nearly forgot the most important thing! If you would like to buy The Great Right Hope, it is available from LL-Publications, direct: http://www.ll-publications.com/greatrighthope.html A big thanks to Jim and Zetta for putting up with me.

Thank you Mark for taking the time to share with us. We wish you much success on your future endeavors.

Author Patricia Dow

Author Patricia Dow

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I Love to have fun by the Waters, and write, and sit on a bench at the Park by the Waters, and look at the Skies, the Clouds, the Birds, and all Loves beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I remember when I was around sixteen I wrote poetry that was usually the negative side of life, like my man leaving me, feelings of being in bondage with un-natural sources of thought. I also found out that my negative issues of my style of poetry back then usually came true, so for a long time, I stopped writing....until positive thought and insight, guided my pen.

Describe your writing style.

My writing styles, vary with my mood or surrounding thoughts, so I don't have the same writing style, but similar writing tones.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

I have two works in progress right now, I am trying to get my children’s book series published, and I am also writing another book of my unique style of poetry.

Poetry can evoke deep emotions for the reader, as the poet, what emotions do you feel when you are creating a piece?

I try to focus of Love all the time, unless I read something that invokes a serious thought for the empowerment of the people.

Give me one to four lines of a poem you wrote that will make us go hmmm.

"Why do you write with such a fervent style?""For it is a gift of the Pen, that I hold before thy sight"

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say we’re standing at a bus stop and I’ve never read any of your poetry before, how would approach me and persuade me to purchase your book?

I would say to you to purchase, a book of mine, Do you really want to know the real insight to Life? Read this book I've written, it's really a "mind’s eye" opener.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What would you do if you received a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I would think the critic hasn't obtained to the height level of Love, that I've reached, or the critic is "book whipped" and Love anyway.

What poets/poems inspire you most?

The correct Height, in Love Poems inspires me the most.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

On my road through Publication, I think I would have spent more time researching more traditional publishers.

What advice would you give an aspiring poet regarding publishing?

The advice I would give to other aspiring poets, always think your work is great, and it will be, and the Publishers will think this way too.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

Right now I am on BlackPlanet.com, but soon I will have a link on there to go to my own website.

Patricia, thank you fr taking time out to share with us. Many blessing in your future endeavors.

Author Peter Ashley

Author Peter Ashley

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.


Well, my name is Peter Ashley. I am thirty one years old. I live in Hampshire, England and I have worked since the age of seventeen as a Roofer. I come from a very working class background, my Father grew up in a poor side of the city, working at the docks of Southampton and my Mother is a country girl who comes from a farming family. I have two brothers, the oldest of whom is an officer in the royal navy.


My siblings and I grew up on a small farm, riding my Mum’s horses and looking after our small army of chickens, ducks and goats – as well as chopping up endless piles of wood for our wood burning cooker that heated our old house.


What is your earliest writing memory?


Ha ha, I think I got inspired to write by an old favorite cowboy film of mine, Shane. I loved the film so much I started to write sequels! I was pretty rubbish at school until my teachers decided to encourage my writing and even gave me a permanent spot on the school wall to show off my stories, then there was no stopping me really!


Describe your writing style.


The most important thing to me as a writer is my characters. I love every one of them, good or evil. I try to make them alive as possible, everything, even the main story takes a backseat to them.


However when I started to write properly, I had no understanding of how a book was set out, especially when it came to ‘points of view.’ So I used a novel by ‘Christopher Colden,’ to teach me about that! So if I have a particular style, it’s thanks to him!


What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?


Actually I feel like I’ve done something wrong! Probably many things wrong. I am lucky (or unlucky) enough to really enjoy reading what I write. I must go into some trance because when I read my chapters back I can never remember writing the words and it really doesn't feel like I wrote them in the first place. But the point is I like it and can't usually see where I’ve gone wrong. This is why I’m actually looking forward to some critical reviews!

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

I am so lucky to get published at my first attempt at a novel. I like big stories, so I began to write my own series after all my favorite television shows ended. (I wanted to entertain myself I suppose) I thought up a story and characters that I would want to read about, if that makes sense? I think people who share my taste in movies and TV shows will like my books!

The series is, so far, three books long. ‘A Human Reaction,’ is the first novel of the series and it is due out in the next month or so. I really hope to get the other books out there because I see my writing and the story getting better and more exciting as I go. (Not that the first one is by any means dull, lol)

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

That's my favourite question!

My characters', in the way they look, are real people. I have what they look like in my head and just describe them. Sounds really easy doesn't it lol.


As far as they're personalities go, that's where my imagination takes over. I can't think where I got their personalities from, perhaps they are part of my own character - how I imagine I would like to act in their shoes or maybe some could be inspired by heroes or villains I have encountered before in book or in films, but I honestly couldn't say where they definitely came from - except one, she is inspired from a character I have loved in a show, but I’m not going to tell you who it was!

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say we’re standing at a bus stop and I’ve never read any of your poetry before, how would approach me and persuade me to purchase your book?

I think the people who would buy my book are those who are into big stories, something to sink their teeth into. Those who are into character development and twisting plot lines. Readers who like their villains/heroes not to be just good or evil, but torn between the two. It has strong love stories, even between the ‘baddie’ characters. It deals with conscience, spiritual belief, personal ambition and personal freedoms through several very different perspectives.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What would you do if you received a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

It’s funny, ever since I started writing my series I’ve been looking for criticism! I’m not university educated, I have never been to a writing class and I just don’t believe you can learn more about your work until someone who knows can tell you.

Friends won’t say anything is wrong with it, nor my publisher but I am enjoying my editors’ corrections! So I say bring on your honest opinions – I can take stick – I’m a roofer!

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I wish I had a better grasp of grammar for one! Before when I started to pitch my work, I didn’t even know what an indent was!

I think I followed all the basic rules of submission. Although I’m now told I should have approached a literary agent before a publisher, but I’m quite lucky in the way my publisher can answer any kind of questions I have.

I really didn’t flood agents or publishers with my work, I was of the attitude that if it happens it happens, I love writing and I have the rest of my life to get published. Saying that I’m both overjoyed and gob smacked that it did happen for me!

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?


I wouldn't say any author influences my writing dreams, unless I count myself! Of course I would like as many people to buy and read the book as possible, but my main motivation is to hear what my readers think of my stories. I want people to enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed other peoples.


What books would you recommend on writing?


The only one I read was so helpful and yes I would definitely recommend it, I was a complete novice, yet got published with its help. The book is, 'The craft of novel writing,' by Dianne Doubtfire. I really must thank her!

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

I would make sure you send your work to the kind of publisher who deals with your style. Make sure it’s very presentable and reads easy. I think it might help if you have a market strategy, if you tell someone why and how it might sell.

But above all, if I had been completely obsessed with getting published, I really would try to make a friend in the business, isn’t it all about who you know?? lol


Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

The first novel of my series, called 'A Human Reaction,' is being published by L-L publications, you can find out when its scheduled for release on their website which is http://www.ll-publications.com It will be available direct from the website catalogue, on amazon.com and you can order it at most bookshops. I really hope you do, I’d love to know what you guys think!



Peter, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Many blessings in your future endeavors.

Ready To Publish Friday - Punctuation

Ready To Publish Friday presents you with another good article found on the net.

The Finer Points of Punctuation

by Kristy Taylor

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the importance and effect of proper punctuation is to imagine reading a piece of writing without it. Supposing you were to read this entire article – all 900 words of it – with absolutely no punctuation. Not just the obvious periods and commas, but no colons, dashes, exclamation marks or question marks.

Punctuation hasn’t always been a part of writing. It evolved over time, as the printing process itself evolved. Prior to the development of printing, punctuation was almost non-existent and when William Caxton first printed books in English, he used three basic punctuation devices, mainly to indicate pauses and sentence endings.

Throughout the 17th century, more punctuation was devised, the most recent being the quotation marks. Eventually we had punctuation as we know it today, consisting of at least a dozen different punctuation devices (depending on your definition) – although some people would have difficulty naming all of them.

Click HERE to read entire article

Author Marcia McNair

Author Marcia McNair

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.


I AM A PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AND JOURNALISM AT NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN GARDEN CITY, LONG ISLAND. NCC IS THE SECOND LARGEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THE COUNTRY. IN ADDITION TO TEACHING, I SERVE AS CO-COORDINATOR OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN AT NCC, WHICH IS A PART OF A NATIONAL PROGRAM THAT TAKES PLACE ON THE FIRST TUESDAY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH. I ALSO SIT ON THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMMITTEE WITH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMMING EACH YEAR. I CO-ADVISE A STUDENT CLUB FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN. I SERVE ON SEVERAL OTHER COMMITTEES AT THE COLLEGE, BUT THIS IS GETTING TOO LONG! IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, I AM THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR OF THE LONG ISLAND WRITERS PROJECT FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF HEMPSTEAD. I AM ALSO A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE UNIONDALE COMMUNITY CENTER. I AM THE SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO, AND I'VE LIVED ON LONG ISLAND FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS.


What is your earliest writing memory?


WHEN I WAS IN SECOND GRADE, I SELF-PUBLISHED A BOOK! IT WAS INSPIRED BY THE NURSEY RHYME "THREE BLIND MICE" AND DETAILED THEIR ADVENTURES. BECAUSE I WAS THE ONLY BLACK CHILD IN THE CLASS, MY TEACHER DID NOT SUPPORT MY CREATIVITY AND INITIATIVE, BUT MY MOTHER WAS QUITE PROUD OF MY LITTLE HANDMADE BOOK AND ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME TO KEEP WRITING.


What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?


I AM EXCITED BECAUSE I AM FREE TO WORK ON THE NEXT BOOK!


In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?


MY CHARACTERS EBONY AND WANITA ARE FICITIONALIZED VERSIONS OF ONE OF ME AND ONE OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS. WE ARE WELL-EDUCATED SINGLE PROFESSIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN WHO ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT A NUMBER OF TOPICS BESIDES MEN AND ROMANCE. I WANTED AMERICA TO GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN THINK AND SAY ABOUT A VARIETY OF IMPORTANT TOPICS WHEN WE THINK NO ONE IS LISTENING.


Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.


CURRENTLY, I AM REVISING A PLAY I CO-AUTHORED CALLED DIARY OF A MAD BLACK FEMINIST WHICH SHOULD GO INTO PRODUCTION WITH SHADES OF JADES THREATER COMPANY EARLY NEXT YEAR. I PRODUCED AND STARRED IN THE PLAY PERSONALLY FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, BUT I AM READY TO TAKE ON NEW PROJECTS, SO WHEN PRODUCER MIKE GREEN APPROACHED ME ABOUT THE PLAY, I WAS ECSTATIC. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT A PROFESSIONAL THEATER COMPANY CAN DO WITH THE PLAY WHICH DEALS WITH CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL ISSUES FROM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE PERSPECTIVE. I EVEN TOOK AN EXCERPT FROM MY NOVEL EMALES AND USED IT IN THE PLAY.


I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?


WHY IS IT SO TEMPTING TO READ SOMEONE ELSE'S EMAIL? MY NOVEL IS A CHANCE TO YIELD TO THE TEMPTATION WITHOUT GUILT! EMALES IS AN INTIMATE GLIMPSE INTO WHAT AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN THINK AND SAY WHEN THEY THINK NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND.


I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?


REVISE! AS AN ENGLISH PROFESSOR, I'D BETTER LEARN TO TAKE IT AS WELL AS I GIVE IT. I CONSTANTLY MODEL THE CORRECT BEHAVIOR TO STUDENTS. I SEE CRITICISM AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MY WORK BETTER!


What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?


MAYA ANGELOU--BECAUSE OF HER CLEAR, STRAIGHTFORWARD WRITING STYLE. DESPITE MY EDUCATION, I NEVER HAVE BEEN A FAN OF "BIG WORDS". ANGELOU'S WRITING SHOWED ME THERE'S A QUIET POWER IN THE SIMPLEST WORD.ISHMAEL REED (MUMBO JUMBO)--BECAUSE HE INTRODUCED ME TO BLACK SATIRE, WHICH IS STILL LARGELY UNEXPLORED TERRITORY FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN WRITERS. YES, WE HAVE MORE BLACK SATIRE AND PARODY, BUT THE PUBLIC IS SIMPLY NOT AS AWARE OF IT. REED ENCOURAGED ME TO USE MY SENSE OF HUMOR TO MY ADVANTAGE.


What books would you recommend on writing?


BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I WOULDN'T! AS A PROFESSOR, I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT WRITING TEXTBOOK. I MOSTLY USE MY OWN ORIGINAL MATERIAL. I'D RECOMMEND THAT WRITERS WHO WANT TO GET BETTER AT THEIR CRAFT WRITE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND TAKE A GRAMMAR CLASS!



If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?


I WOULD HAVE PROOFREAD MY PDF FILE MORE CAREFULLY BEFORE PUBLICATION. BECAUSE I DIDN'T, HAVING ENTRUSTED THIS TASK TO ANOTHER PERSON WHOM I PAID, I HAD TO REPRINT A CORRECTED VERSION.


What advice would you give an aspiring author?


READ THE CLASSIC WORKS OF LITERATURE AND TAKE AS MANY WRITING CLASSES AS POSSIBLE. POLISH YOUR CRAFT! TOO MANY OF US WANT TO TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT AND JUST WRITE A BOOK AND PUBLISH IT WITHOUT PUTTING INTHE TIME AND EFFORT IT TAKES TO BE AN EXCELLENT WRITER. BUT WITH THAT SAID, I'D SAY DON'T BE SO CRITICAL OF YOURSELF THAT IT DESTROYS YOUR CONFIDENCE. YOU CAN ALWAYS HIRE A COPYEDITOR, BUT YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING ON PAPER FOR THE PERSON TO EDIT! JUST WRITE YOUR BOOK. THE REST WILL FOLLOW.


Where can readers learn more about you and your books?


READERS CAN GO TO MY WEBSITE http://www.emalesonline.com/ TO PURCHASE A COPY OF MY BOOK. IF THEY WANT TO PITCH AN IDEA FOR A BOOK, THEY CAN FIND THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR MY COMPANY AYA PRESS AT http://www.ayapressbooks.com/


Thank you Marcia for taking the time to share with us. Many blessing in your future endeavors.

Ready To Publish Friday - Editing

Ready To Publish Friday is bringing you another helpful article found on the net. Hope you enjoy!

Editing Made Easy
by Lee Masterson

So you've finally done it. You've finished your prized manuscript - the one you've spent months creating - and the temptation to pop it into a postal package and ship it off to a welcoming editor is tugging at you mercilessly.

I urge you to resist that temptation. For now, anyway.

After spending so much of your time and effort in producing what you have so far, it would seem a shame to rush things at this crucial stage in your manuscript's life. Once the first draft is done, almost every writer realizes that an edit or partial rewrite is going to be a necessary task.

There are almost as many different ways to edit and rewrite as there are writers. Some prefer to edit as they go. There are those who prefer to chop and change storylines midway through the creation process. Others seem to race through the first draft and spend time polishing it up once they're done. I'm one of the latter.

It makes no difference which technique you prefer, as long as it works for you. The point is to end up with a professional manuscript which an editor will hopefully buy.

So let's take a look at 12 polishing techniques that could mean the difference between a sale and a rejection.

Show all
Click HERE for entire article

Author Jon Bradbury

Author Jon Bradbury

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

Well, I love to read -- books, magazines, online blogs, everything. I love listening to music, esp 80's rock, R&B, some hip-hop. I also have a large DVD collection, and go see a movie in the theater as often as I can, but not nearly often enough. My favorite TV shows right now are Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

What is your earliest writing memory?

Thinking that maybe writing is something I should pursue, after my high school english teacher told me my writing was really good.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Wow, that is a great question. On the one hand, I'm glad to finally finish the thing. But at the same time, I know that's not the end. It's actually the beginning of something bigger. Then I take a short vacation from writing, before I dive into the next one LOL.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

Well, the idea just came to me one day, for a cop that saves the life of a big-wig. I started the story at that scene, and the story just grew from there. I don't really remember one thing causing me to think of the idea. It just popped out of my head one day. *smile*

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Well it's about a police officer who, as the story starts out, loves his life, his job, his friends, he even has a girlfriend. But then he saves the life of a prominent local business man who's doing a speech announcing his run for public office. Now the cop finds himself facing a lot of temptations -- like money, and the politician's wife, who is a gorgeous soap opera actress. So the whole story is about this one guy sticking to his morals and coming out the other side. It's also a detective story, as they try to figure out who's trying to get this business man killed.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

It's about a business man, his wife, and the cop who saves his life.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when if received a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Well, in the past, with a website like Fallen Angel Reviews, I asked for another review. *smile*

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals, and aspirations?

Tom Clancy, Eric Jerome Dickey, Elmore Leonard, Ben Bova, Isaac Asimov, Terry McMillian, Micheal Crichton

What books would you recommend on writing?

"How To Write For Comics" by Peter David. Yeah, I know its for comic books. But it has many lessons to glean.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?
Knowing what I know now, I would have gone to a different

publisher, for the reason that the niche I write in, and the style I write in, is more compatible with some publishers than others.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

One, to practice every day, even if it's just a sentence or two, or even just a few words. And two, read as much as you can from as many different sources as possible.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

www.extasybooks.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/interracialeroticromance

Thanks Jon for taking the time to share with us. We wish you continued success.

Author Gigi Gunn

Author Gigi Gunn

“There are few things more satisfying

than a well-told tale”

….and that is a responsibility that GiGi Gunn takes seriously. She enjoys weaving a richly textured tapestry of believable, complex but flawed characters in familiar and unusual situations. Crafting characters and events which evoke a myriad of emotions; happy, sadness, shock, confusion, disappointment, regret, empathy and most of all, love—of self, family and friends, community and world, is an undertaking she relishes. Whether writing under a pseudonym, the veteran novelist’s fiction has enjoyed critical acclaim and been required reading at the high school and college levels, or penning anew, the caliber of the novel remains consistently engaging. From the first page to the very last with plots twists and surprises sprinkled in for spice, the author, seeks to captivate, challenge, inspire, provoke thought and expand the world views of the people who populate her narratives. She savors women who defy the odds and are not defined by others but pursue their own paths even when they are unsure of the outcome. If the author can entertain, educate and touch the humanity in us all, demonstrating that, despite race and class, we are more similar than we are different -- all the better.

To read the rest of this wonderful bio visit Gigi Gunn's site here.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I am native Washingtonian, born and bred, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, product of the DC Public School system and graduate of Howard University. I established a career in social work and directed educational programs, focusing on the adolescent and young adult. I love lunching with friends, gardening, traveling, music and movies . . . good movies and look forward to mentoring high school students this fall.

What is your earliest writing memory?

Besides “scribble-scratching” my autograph at a young age? ;-)

The Pink Castle” was an answer to a Freshman English writing assignment at Howard U, where I described my “dream home” on Colorado Avenue across the street from the famed Carter Baron where we spent our leisure time seeing artists, like Johnny Mathis or later the Temptations, and learning how to drive. Professor Hermance read from my paper noting my writing skills; word usage, visualization, sentence structure, imagery, metaphors and similes’. Prior to those “embarrassing” compliments, I had never thought about writing as either an art form or a career option. Just goes to show you how well-placed praise can open up another entire world of possibility for a young person.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Ecstasy! Sheer, unadulterated bliss followed by anxiousness at wanting to see it in print—immediately, and having readers enjoy it. It’s like birthin’ a baby! I celebrate with a pint of Amazon Valley Reserve Ice Cream and bask in the glow of accomplishment and relief. Until the next all-consuming project . . . until characters from the other manuscript(s) jockey for your attention.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

CAJUN MOON was inspired by the Randy Crawford song of the same name. “You took my baby, now you’re gone. Cajun moon.” I love that song. Inquisitiveness caused me to wonder, “How does a moon take your lover? What did the Cajun moon shine on?” Nosiness is what whet my appetite and spun my literary wheels. So there had to be a heroine, Sassy Crillon, who came upon what the Cajun moon was shining on. . . Roux Robespierre, her fiancé--and what was he doing? I was hooked.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

RAINBOW’S END will be released this December ’08 and it is totally different from CAJUN MOON. For me to engage the reader, I have to be engaged first.

In this materialistic world, Pop Diva Dylan Pryce is richer than “monies mammy” and can buy anything her heart desires. She has it all but an “authentic” man to share it with her. A man who can love her. . . plain old Dylan Renee Pryce from Hampton, Virginia.

On a self-imposed hiatus she meets Caleb Walker, who owns the Walker Horse and Cattle Ranch in Socrates, Texas. With female companionship on an “as needed” basis, he is content with his life until Dylan comes to town and turns his life upside down. But Brenda Faye Savoy intends to be Caleb’s wife and the more she tries to drive a wedge between Caleb and Dylan, the closer they become. Unknowingly, Rueben Jenkins, Dylan’s manager, is complicit in Brenda Faye’s scheme to win Caleb’s heart.

Although the singer and the cowboy come from two different worlds, can’t they be after the same Rainbow’s End? Will they get the chance to play it out and see if their life together is meant to be or will their love fall victim to mettlesome manipulators?

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

CAJUN MOON is about choice and second chances. The novel opens with a quote, “At any given moment, your life is the sum total of all your choices.”

Sassy Crillon catches her longtime fiancé, Roux, in a compromising situation. She chooses to react by taking the “high road,” cuts him loose and embarks on her road of self-discovery and possibility. The last thing she wants or needs is another man, but into her life comes a wonderful man named Aidan, who seduces her with his caring ways and tenderness, freeing her to chance loving again. But Aidan has a secret, and a redemptive Roux wants Sassy back. Which man is best for her? Choice. Who she chooses says a lot about her . . . “tell me who you love and I’ll tell you who you are. . .”

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Wow! Excellent question. I would consider the source and if there is viable, meaningful and/or helpful criticism, consider it and move on. I savor all the five star, positive reviews I receive and apply the same reaction--read them, smile, and move on, satisfied that I’ve pleased readers. But there is nothing, good or bad, you can do about an already published book except learn from comment and move on. I feel if you read and believe the good critics, then you are obliged to do the same for the “less than average,” so I’d try to keep them both in perspective. I try to stay on point, true to my storytelling and intended audience, and find solace in the fact that everyone is different and entitled to their opinion regarding any written piece.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I liked the writing styles of early Maya Angelou, and Gloria Naylor, the way she took the classics and reworked them to be relevant to our experiences: Bailey’s Café, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Linden Hills, Dante’s Inferno etc. I liked James Michener, the way he took his time unfolding a story and his use of words. Often I can read and re-read an author’s passage if it’s beautifully written . . . so it can take me awhile to finish a really well-written book!

Dreams, goals and aspirations? Like Michener or Mosley, I’d love to see my novels grace the silver screen. “Based on a novel by GiGi Gunn!” ;-)

Or direct like Kasi Lemmons did “Eve’s Bayou,” one of my favorites.

What books would you recommend on writing?

While many authors probably suggest reference or instructional books, I recommend any books that will expand your world view. Books that are outside of your orbit of familiarity. Books that stretch and expose you to things beyond your comfort zone, that challenge your point of reference. I came up in an era when we diagramed sentences and underlined words we didn’t know and looked them up in the dictionary later. That’s how we improved our vocabulary even if we were mispronouncing them. You can master the musical scale but that doesn’t make you a good musician anymore than knowing all the colors of the spectrum will make you a great artist. There’s the feeling and aptitude-for, improvising and creation that can’t be found in a book. You learn by doing and the more you do it, the more comfortable you become and the better you get.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

Start earlier. I was too busy living life with no designs on writing beyond letters and a monthly magazine column. Writing a novel was a daunting “back burner” activity.

But then, once I decided that I wanted to write a novel, I would have made more of a commitment to it earlier. My career positions had a large degree of responsibility, supervising others, mind-numbing meetings and no time to write while working or after work, which usually included work-related nocturnal duties, as well as wifely and motherhood obligations. I would have taken my craft more seriously and set aside time to consistently and diligently work on it and not taken a number of years’ hiatus in the middle. I so admire my writing colleagues whose novels are in the double digit count. What a stunning accomplishment!

Like anything worthwhile, if you intend to pursue it—commit to it—respect it. Do it!

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

To write. To commit to writing. To commit to learning the craft then expanding your outlook. If you don’t sit down and write, then there is nothing to submit, or re-write or publish. You have to do the work. There will be missed phone calls, dinners out, dates and parties, but that’s part and parcel of the commitment. You choose what’s important to you. You choose where you want to spend your time and energy.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

I invite readers to visit me at www.gigigunn.net and my novels are available at amazon.com, Borders or any of your favorite bookstores.

Thank you for sharing with us Gigi. We wish you much success in your future endeavors.

Author Push Nevahda

Author Push Nevahda

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I’m a wandering spirit, looking for adventure, in search of the true meaning of life.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I used to write poetry as a child then I got into songwriting, then got to high school and started writing plays. But my earliest memory of writing is when I was about 10 or 11, and I would write poetry about my father who had died when I was seven. My first serious poem was about a childhood sweetheart (she is also characterized in my book).

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

I’m very proud and elated when I finally complete a manuscript. It’s time to go to the club and get my funky on! Really.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

All of the characters are based on real-life people. You can go to my website – www.pushnevahda.com – and meet them!

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

I am currently working on two books. A Tunica Sunset is situated in between WW I and WW II and is about a black sharecroppers struggle with a decision of whether or not to bring his family to the north (where the booming war industries offer black migrants good economic opportunities), or stay in the south where he feels secure in the only way of life he has ever known. So, the story is about faith and belief in oneself. The Rise and Fall of Black Bottom is a story about a little known African American community in Detroit the flourished during WW II. Eventually it was destroyed to make way for the I-75 freeway.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

My website!

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Hope that the reviewer or reader is a serious and constructive critic, rather than someone who really has no understanding or real appreciation for the art of writing. With my book, I’ve received criticism from people from all walks of life, including professors (one has considered using my book as a supplemental reading in an English writing course she teaches), housewives, young folk, and men. Particularly white folks, who are rarely interested in black books, are reading mine. One white guy told me that, although he never before considered reading anything by black authors, purchased my book and thought it to be one of the best books he’d read. He appreciated being able to read perspectives on life, love, political, society, and culture from a black male point-of-view. And I appreciated that kind of honest feedback. One white woman told me that my book inspired her to return to college; another told me she was inspired to pursue her passion to write a novel.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

The works of James Baldwin (The Fire Next Time), Cornel West (“Black Strivings in A Twilight Civilization”), Arthur Miller (“Death of A Salesman”) and Lorraine Hansberry (Raisin in A Sun) were most influential to me, and changed the course of my life as a writer. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot in addition to Dubois’s Soul’s of Black Folks, were seminal readings that shaped and informed the moral, philosophic, and spiritual direction of my writing. Also, Truman Capote’s work is very influential to my own work. Mailer is correct in noting that Capote writes the most beautifully crafted sentences, he is the master (and self-proclaimed inventor) of creative non-fiction. Robert Goolrick’s book, The End of the World as We Know It, is perhaps the most beautifully written memoir I’ve ever read, and is the most important book I own. Also, Nina Simone’s biography influenced me a great deal, and I liked Jeffrey Meyer’s work up until I read his book, Married to Genius.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Well, that’s a tough question because of the various dimensions of writing (i.e. creative, technical, academic, fiction, etc.), but I think that the best way to learn about writing is to read.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I would’ve sought more critical advice from proofreaders and editors. But, at the same time, it’s also important not to let people change or obstruct the artistic direction of your work. Not everyone – especially editors – will understand the artistic expression, and sometimes they can ruin it.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Read, read, read.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

www.pushnevahda.com

Author Carrie J. Keaton

Author Carrie J. Keaton

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I’m enjoying motherhood at my late age --- my husband and I have a new baby. So I enjoy my family time, watching movies on the lifetime movie channel and crime shows, and relaxing and reading a good book. I also manage two online groups that are called the African-American Authors & Writers group. One group is on Blackplanet.com and the other is a newly created group that I just starting on Yahoo groups. I am hoping to grow the group that is on Yahoo to surpass the one that I have on Blackplanet.com (currently has over 200 members and growing). I’m trying to make a place that has a creative atmosphere for writers, aspiring and published authors and enthusiastic readers; a place where its’ members can feel free to discuss and share their ideas about books, writing (books, articles & poetry), book marketing and promotion, and any literary topics of their choice. I wanted to create a place where like-minded people can meet and participate in forum discussions about any literary topic.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I realized that I wanted to be a writer when I was in grade school. I used to write short stories and let my classmates read them. I simply just enjoyed creating stories.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Producing a manuscript represents a significant investment on the part of the author. The two most satisfying words for a writer to type are: The End. That sweet phrase means that at last you’ve finished your manuscript and have finally achieved your goal of writing a novel. An odd mix of emotions overcome me after the winding down after such a monumental task. Crazed joy. A rush of exhilaration. Relief. A dazed, empty sort of numbness. Dizzy, shaky exhaustion. When I finish a new book, I always feel as if I had been sprinting as hard as I could at the end of a marathon, only to crash into a brick wall—full stop. The sadness I felt was like a literary form of post-partum blues.

It was as if my very best friend had moved out of town. This reaction to such an achievement might sound a little crazy, but this was how I felt.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

For my first book, Two Loves, One Heart, I had personally gone through heartbreak and abuse in a past relationship. I realized that I wanted to share some of my experiences with others who have been victims of abuse. I felt that anyone who has ever felt the heartbreak and trials that love can bring, especially those who have experienced abusive or controlling relationships, would be able to relate to my character Lynnette’s journey to find true love within herself. I wanted to try to give others hope that they can bring their lives around from the brink of devastation and despair if they have the desire to want to help themselves.

I also wanted to express that fact that everyone is worthy of being helped and loved. This help can come from family and friends or professionally if the need be. I am speaking from experience and I am a SURVIVOR. My strong faith in God and my family helped me to find my way back from that dark and lonely place. I am thankful and truly blessed. From my ordeal and the bad experiences I learned that, “LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT”.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

My next novel is another romance novel also titled, Always in my Heart. Here is a little information about the book:

How can two people be such close friends and not be able to see that they are meant for each other?

True love often triumphs through the most complex of circumstances. Rachael Pendleton and Roman Sinclair are two people who connected with each other and have been the best of friends since childhood. This special connection they share has triumphed over all else that has gone amiss in their lives. They each always knew that they would always be there for each other no matter what.

But Rachael and Roman share something else ---- a deep love for each other that neither will acknowledge. Both have had relationships with other people, but they never lasted because some very important elements were missing.... true friendship, honesty, and love. When Roman ends up marrying the wrong woman, Rachael must find a way to let her inhibitions go or lose the man she truly loves forever.

I hope to have this book complete by the end of 2008 or the first part of 2009.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

My name is Carrie J. Keaton, author of a romance novel -

Two Loves, One Heart published by Authorhouse

A Fiction Novel Based on True Events and Experiences with True-to-Life Characters.

What would you do if your first love tried to come back into your life after he walked out of your life for over 10 years with no explanation? In this new romance novel, TWO LOVES, ONE HEART, Lynnette Thomas is forced to choose between her first love turned abusive and an old friendship that develops into a passionate romance.

At one of the loneliest points in her life Lynnette reconnects with a friend from her childhood and their friendship blossoms into much more.

Will two old friends allow their chance at happiness to slip away? Not if they reach out to each other, give in to their desires, and let love bind their hearts and join their souls. Their lives could be changed forever…. BY A THING CALLED LOVE.

Two Loves, One Heart is available through Authorhouse, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do if you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I would try not to become so attached to my work that you won’t change it for God or country. The biggest mistake a writer could make is by being unwilling to change because they think everything is A-okay as is. You’re not only doing the work a disservice, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

I wouldn’t get defensive when some people don’t respond well to my book. I would just roll my shoulders in a shrug and say “so what?” All that matters is that I enjoyed writing it.

I would be open-minded with constructive criticism—listen to what my critics have to say and either take some or none of their advice. It’s up to me. Chances are there will be something useful you can take away from it.

As I had said earlier, I’m still learning. So I would try to surround myself with writers who are better than me. Listen when they talk. They could inspire me to challenge myself and to be the best I can be. If I surround myself with mediocre writers, then I’ll be settling for being a mediocre writer myself.

I will try to train my eye to see abnormalities by offering to critic the work of others and by being generous with both my criticism and my praise and give compliments where compliments are due. In the process, I’ll become a much better critic of my own work as well as of other people’s.

I would never be spiteful with criticism just because someone didn’t like something I wrote. I would be kind, courteous, and above all, truthful.

I would ask for examples during a critique. If critics can’t back up what they are saying with evidence drawn from your work, then it’s not a piece of criticism worth listening to.

Last but not least, I must always be mindful that not every reader will be as responsive to my material as I am. There are many opinions and tastes, and not all of them will compare with mine.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

There are several authors who have influenced my writing dreams, goals and aspirations. Just to name a few are: Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Zane, Eric Jerome Dickey, Gloria Mallette, Michael Baisden, Sandra Kitt, Omar Tyree, Angela Nissel, and Bette Ford. All of these are wonderful authors and I admire them greatly.

What books would you recommend on writing?

I’m still finding my way with my writing and still learning, so I’m in no way an expert but will willingly share what I have experienced since I’ve been writing. Assuming that the person who is writing knows the essential mechanics of writing, know how to form cohesive sentences, blah, blah, blah., I think that these books will give them the shot of adrenaline they may be in desperate need of to keep going, keep pursuing, and keep following your writing dreams!

1. On Writing by Stephen King - This has got to be my number one book on writing. The first half is an autobiography. I found his writing to be very real and from the heart. I laughed and even felt a bit saddened at times. You read about his childhood, his first attempts at publishing when he was in grade school, and all of the hard work, long hours and dedication he put into his writing career. This in itself gave me hope that I could someday be a successful author as well!

The second half of the book is a no bull, no fluff guide to writing. What I like most about it is that he doesn't bog you down with rule after rule, and strict organization. Forget outlines and note cards and character sketches. He recommends that you just sit down at your computer, go with your muse and see where he/she takes you. He tells you what you need to know from idea to sale, as well as a few simple considerations and rules. He uses examples of his own work and that of others to show what good writing style is and what's not.

My writing has begun to flourish because of this book. It's spontaneous and real. When I sit down at the computer I don't even know what the next scene will entail, but I'm always amazed to see what my inner self can come up with once I get out of my own way.

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury - Be prepared! Ray Bradbury will take you by the hand and leave you breathless in this little book. I can honestly say that I've never felt more exhilarated or had more ideas popping into my mind than after reading this book. He advises you to stay drunk on writing because it saves us from reality, to write at least a thousand words a day every day, to write from real life, and much more. What I liked most about this book is the way I felt after reading it. Zen in the Art of Writing is like having Ray Bradbury right there with you, guiding you, cheering you on, urging you to stop creeping and start flying!

Much in the same vein as Stephen King's book, this gem is not about rules that fence you in and leave you no room to breathe, but in letting loose the inner writer. It draws that fine line between genius and insanity. I loved it!

My creativity has greatly improved because of this book. I highly recommend it.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

If I could change one thing I did during my road to publication, it would be ignore the negative people who made me feel down about my writing and my ability to create a something that others would want to read. I would ignore the negativity and continue on to complete by manuscript and become a published author. I would maintain my courage and confidence and follow my heart and my inner voice. If I had believed in myself more back then instead of allowing negative people to coward me down, I would have been a published author many years sooner.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

My advice to up and coming authors ---Follow your dreams and your heart. In the beginning, I allowed negative people to convince me that I could not write anything that people would want to read. Separate yourself from individuals who only offer you negative, non-constructive criticism. Know your heart and your inner voice. Without that inner sense of who you are, you'll never have the courage to make the necessary investment and sacrifice for your art and craft. You need that to create the kind of writing to benefit both yourself and the world.

Read samples of as many of the top titles as you can get your hands on. The library is good for this--no cost. Now, you don't have to read every page of every book. Just scan them for characters and descriptive material, and then put YOURSELF into a storyline. For example, what would YOU do if you were trapped in a cave with a giant 'whatever' blocking the entrance?

In most of my books, the characters do all the writing--I just sit back and type the words onto the computer screen. In other words, let your mind wander over ideas of how YOU would handle a situation and then allow your characters to react.

As long as you stay away from the central storyline of the other major published books, you should do fine, but try to think out of the box.

Write every day, whether you want to or not. That's how you become a true writer. Study your grammar and spelling! Most computer spell-checkers will NOT catch mistakes like using "affect" instead of "effect" or "you're" instead of "your". I had to learn about this the hard way. It would be best to have your work professionally edited for errors to avoid this embarrassment.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My website is here: www.authortree.com/carrielee10

On this website, I have more information about me and my book, TWO LOVES, ONE HEART. I also have blogs posted there.

Carrie, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us. We wish you much success on your future endeavors.