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 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.

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.

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 Francis Ray

Author Francis Ray

Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award.

To check out the rest of Francis' bio, watch trailers, and enter contests head over to her website. You can find her web address at the end of the interview.

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

I'm a School Nurse Practitioner with a large independent school district in Texas. I have great satisfaction in what I do, but there are also times when situations occur that I wish I could do more in helping children. However, when I write I am the mistress of my universe and can punish evil and protect those unable to protect themselves. The good guys will always win and love will always triumph.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory was a freshman paper. The teacher and my classmates couldn't say enough good things about my love story. Even then I always wanted happy endings. I guess because one of the books I read over and over was Grimm's Fairy Tales.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed

manuscript(s)?

My feelings once finished with the completed manuscript run the gamut from being thankful to God, grateful that I was able to do it again, to scared that readers will hate the book. Somehow I don't think my reactions will ever change.

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

I write series in romance and mainstream so the characters are often taken from past books. In the romance series, Grayson Friends, Book One is THE WAY YOU LOVE ME. I wanted to explore what happens when a hard-edged man meets a vulnerable woman. In The Invincible Women series, my mainstreams, I wanted an older heroine. There has been so much on menopause and older women dating younger men that I knew I wanted to incorporate that in NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED.

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

I recently finished AND MISTRESS MAKES THREE, my 5th book for the Invincible Women series. I'm taking a week off to get my office in order, read, and then its back to writing the next mainstream. August 2008 saw the release of THE WAY YOU LOVE ME, Book One of the new Grayson Friends series. November 4, 2008 is the reissue of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU, Book One of the Graysons of New Mexico series. Book Two of the Grayson Friends series, NOBODY BUT YOU, is due out March 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?

A sexy, page turning romance. Shane Elliott, gorgeous and dangerous, has never met a woman he couldn't forget - until Paige Albright. Passion collides with duty when Shane is hired to protect the beautiful socialite in THE WAY YOU LOVE ME.

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?

Frankly, I'm not very good at shrugging off criticism, which is one reason I usually let my daughter read the reviews first. However, if it's constructive, I try to learn from it. Despite having written over 36 books I'm still learning and not ashamed to admit I can miss the mark. Good, caring readers and fans want you to write the stories that will entertain and enlighten. They want you to succeed. So, when it's constructive, I really look at the book again and try to see if the point was valid.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Katherine Woodiwiss introduced me to romance and made me want to write romance. But it was Elizabeth Lowell and Nora Roberts who challenged me to write with passion and purpose. E. Lowell wrote fantastic hurting-healing romance books. N. Roberts has superb characters. They're two totally different writers, both successful, both caring and giving women. They taught me there is no one way to write a good book. The key is writing what you love. Don't compare yourself to anyone. A writer's life is a journey, some of us will reach our goals before others. The thing is to enjoy the journey.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale, and What's What edited by Reginald Bragonier, Jr. and David Fisher.

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 it would be that I wouldn't have let rejections stop me from writing. I wasted so much time. Instead of it taking 5 years to publish that first short story, perhaps it would have taken only 3 or perhaps the 5 years is the way it was supposed to be.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Study the market, read in cross-genres, don't compare yourself to other writers, and always be gracious.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can visit my web site at www.francisray.com. To read the online only FREE story, DARE TO LOVE, that bridges the Graysons of New Mexico to Grayson Friends they can visit http://www.the-blackbox.com/authors/francis_ray.htm .

readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com

www.myspace.com/francisray

NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED - Jan 22, 2008 - Mainstream

THE WAY YOU LOVE ME - Shane's story - Grayson Friends -September 2008

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU - Book 1 - Reissue - A Grayson Romance - December 2008

NOBODY BUT YOU - Cameron's story - Grayson Friends - April 2009

Thank you Francis for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

Author Linda R. Herman

Author Linda R. Herman

About the author in her own words: "Who am I? I am a native of South Georgia. My grandparents raised me and from them as well as my parents, aunts and uncles, I learned the value of hard work. Nothing in life is given; you must earn everything-respect first and foremost. I spent most of my childhood working in watermelons with my grandfather during the summer, and in the pecan orchard alongside my grandmother in the fall and winter months. I hated it but as an adult, that hard work has made me appreciate my blessings today. Now I sit at a console in a building with air conditioning, answering phone lines and dispatching public safety units to citizens in distress. Yes, I am a 911 dispatcher-one of many unsung heroes who strive for excellence day in and day out. But me, I don't want to be praised for doing my job-I just want to do my job well."
To read the rest of Linda's bio and many other interesting things regarding her, go to her website. The address can be found at the end of the interview.

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

Before I'm an author, I'm an ordinary person. I'm a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. I've been married for almost 10 years now and together my husband and I are raising two teens and a 3 year old. Life is definitely interesting! I also work full time as an emergency 911 dispatcher. Hard work is a value passed down to me from the grandparents who raised me. My grandmother died in 2006 and my life has surely been different to say the least. I miss her more than even I as a writer, can say.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest memories are writing are from fourth grade. I remember writing stories about then President Regan. Every story was about him being hurt in an auto accident (go figure) but I remember my teacher saying how good the stories were.

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

Whitney Houston comes to mind-I, too, EXHALED! To journey from the first word to the very last punctuation mark is like nine months of pregnancy and an agonizing labor. For anyone who has experienced the joy of childbirth, you know what I mean.

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

In Consequences When Love Is Blind, released February 2008, I knew I wanted to create an African American female that readers would bond with. They sympathize with Sade but she's also a character you respect but even though she was blind to what was really going on in her marriage, you know she's a good person. Her heart is good and she's the kind of character you want to pull out of the book and just embrace. Sade is your best girl friend, your sister, that cousin you grew up with-she's a phenomenal woman.

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

My next release is an anthology that I co-authored with Tinisha Nicole Johnson (Searchable Whereabouts) and Allyson M. Deese (Discovering the Joy Within), my sisters of the pen. These ladies are very talented and together we compiled a book of short stories and inspiring poems that will remind readers just how powerful prayer is, no matter your situation.

Somebody Prayed for Me releases December 2, 2008, from Xpress Yourself Publishing.

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?

I'm a passionate author and my fictional stories parallel reality. Every one of us know a woman who has been abused; a child who has been neglected, molested, abandoned, and abused; a woman who's been mistreated by her husband; a daughter who has craved attention that never came from her father; and a young mother who struggles to keep a roof over her children's head. Somebody Prayed for Me has a story for every social issue mentioned above; surely stories that everyone will relate to.

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?

I read and re-read the review and see how valid the points are that they make. I am not afraid of constructive criticism because I can grow from it, not only as a writer, but as a person.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I am a huge fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby. She is my all-time favorit, but the authors I've most-connected with are Jessica Tilles and Elissa Gabrielle. They're a phone call away and I have learned so much from them. I love them so much.

What books would you recommend on writing?

The book I want to recommend hasn't been published just yet, LOL. Jessica Tilles, bestselling author and CEO of Xpress Yourself Publishing, is working on a book about publishing and I know it is going to guide many apsiring authors.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

No one can take your dreams away, but study the industry before you jump into it head first. It doesn't matter if you self publish or seek a traditional publisher, you still need to learn as much as you can about this industry. And if I may add, ASA, Authors Supporting Authors will have a blog talk radio show on Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8pm EST, where aspiring authors and readers can call in to ask questions about writing and publishing. Our guests for the panel are Jessica Tilles, Marie Antionette, and Shani Greene-Dowdell! www.blogtalkradio.com/asa-blog-talk. This is a show you don't want to miss.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My website is www.lindarherman.com. You can read the first chapter of Consequences When Love Is Blind and order your autograph copy from the website as well if you're moved to do so. My ebook, "A Time for Love" is also available through www.lindarherman.webs.com.

Consequences: When Love is Blind

by author Linda R. Herman

Click image to view book trailer

www.lindarherman.com I Stand With Magic

www.istandwithmagic.com

Proud Member of ASA

Linda, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

Author Allison Knight

Author Allison Knight

Allison, like many authors, read a book she didn’t like. Despite occasional digs from her children, she wrote a romance. “Heartsong” released in August of 2008, is her thirteenth book.

A retired teacher, she’s taught fiction writing and spoken at conferences throughout the country.

She and her husband moved south to the land of hurricanes and sunshine. When she isn’t watching the weather, she writes, creating heroes and heroines, then

finding ways to make their lives miserable.

Her fourteenth book, a romance set in the Yukon, will be available in March of 2009. Currently she is working on a Sequel to her August release, another set in Philadelphia in the 1870's, and a traditional Gothic Romance.

Heartsong

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

I'm a retired high school teacher. I giggle when I tell people I used to teach Home Ec. Now I write romance. Seems to go together somehow. I'm also married to my own hero of almost 50 years and we have four children. I love to play penny slots because that way you don't lose much. I read a lot because I love books, all kinds of books.

What is your earliest writing memory?

In the seventh grade, I wrote poetry, and some it was not too bad, for a kid. Then in the eighth grade I won an essay contest - for money. That truly began my writing experience.

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

This is a terrible way to answer, but I have to say, I'm never completely satisfied. I’m relieved that I’m writing "The End", but even after a dozen rewrites, I can always go back and find something I should have changed. My best feelings are a sense of relief when the publishers say they want it.

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

I grew up listening to classical music. My father wanted to be an opera singer. The two main characters in Heartsong, my latest release, appeared while I was listening to the last act of "Faust". I literally saw the heroine and the hero in what turned out to be the black moment of the novel. I knew immediately I had to tell their story.

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

A Treasure for Sara will be released in March 2009. This tale probably has my most favorite hero. The story takes place in the Yukon, before the gold rush. Bear is the quintessential mountain man, a real loner. Sara is a vivacious young woman from Philadelphia. Bear has very little to say, and Sara talks all the time. Boy, did I have fun with them. This was probably the book with which I had the most fun. I just never knew what would pop out of Sara's mouth, or how Bear would react to it. But, eventually, she learns to keep her mouth shut and he learns to talk. Great fun.

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?

If you like history, and a tale of intrigue, kings, princesses and what happened before the age of enlightenment, you'll enjoy this tale of an English Baron who hates the Welsh, and a Welsh princess who becomes his captive. Together they encounter the problems of the time - raids, wars, persecutions and sibling rivalry but love does conquer all.

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?

I cry a lot. No, not really. The first gothic I wrote received a mediocre review, and even my own granddaughter wasn’t particularly fond of it because it was written in first person, but then you can’t please everyone. If the book pleases me and my husband likes it, then I’m satisfied. And yes, he does read everything I write. He’s my first editor and if he doesn’t like it, I find out why. He offers suggestions, I rewrite until he gives his okay. So far, he’ll always been right.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I think every writer of romance has a warm spot for Kathleen Woodiwess. She and Rosemary Rogers got me hooked on romance. Their books inspired me to try my hand at story telling.

What books would you recommend on writing?

One of my favorite books and I still refer to it is “Writing Fiction, Nonfiction, and How to Publish” by Pat Kubis and Bob Howland. I also think I have all of Writer’s Digest’s “The Elements of Writing Fiction.” I do have a whole library of how to books, but the ones I’ve mentioned I still refer to often.

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 think the one thing I would have changed was to stay with my first agent. I’ve had several agents and they were never as successful as my first. I also would start writing Gothics much sooner than I did.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Perhaps the best thing is to never give up. Like many authors, I hit a dry spell. For nearly eight years I couldn’t publish a thing. In the last eight years, I’ve had ten books released. Don’t give up. And don’t believe because you publish one, two even three books, you’re “In like Flynn”. The publishing business doesn’t work that way.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

I have a web page, I blog and I feature my characters on the blog with many other authors. My web page, blog and character blog are listed.

www.AllisonKnight.com

www.AllisonKnight.blogspot.com

www.MyCharacters.blogspot.com