Author Interview with Lakisha Spletzer

When people first meet me, they always asks the same questions. Who are you? (translation: don't recognize your author name) and, You're a writer? I always smile and give them a quick breakdown on me. After all, it's only fair to let others know about yourself.

Yes, I'm a writer, I've always been a writer. I've been writing stories since the tender age of 8. When I hit my teen years I went from short stories and fan fiction to writing poetry. Lots of poetry. After high school I attended college and got two degrees. I left my home state of Virginia and moved to sunny Florida. I didn't decide to become a published writer until after meeting a local writer's workshop group in 2004. It took me six years to finally write not 1 but 2 complete novels and get them published.

Tell us about Werelove Dusk Conspiracy in a few sentences.

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy is a story about a teenager who is neglected by her only living parent, is bullied at school and who yearns for more than what her life has handed her. Throw in kidnapping attempts, an obsessed villainess, a handsome rescuer, a bold, blunt, yet steadfast friend, and you've got the gist of this novel.

How did you come to write this particular book?

Werelove came about because of NaNoWriMo which is an annual online writing contest during November to write a 50,000 word novel. I wanted to write a YA novel and had some ideas rattling around in my head right before NaNoWriMo 2008, and decided, why not. The first 40,496 words of Werelove were written that month. It took me until July 2009 to write the entire first draft.

If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one?

No author likes to pick just one character and it's very hard with this novel because I wrote so many that I like, but, if I did have to choose, I would have to pick Laylah because she's the closet to my heart with Stefan coming in a close second.

Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices?

I wanted to combine two of my loves, shapeshifters and outer space, into one location. Werelove is set in the future in the 23^rd century and on the planet of New Terra which is inhabited by humans and Weres (shapeshifters).

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?

Thinking that your manuscript is perfect after writing it. I kid you not. I've met writers who bragged that they didn't need to do any revising or that they only did one round of revisions. *shakes head* Sorry, but you've just doomed yourself to a name as a bad author. Actually, that's strong. Rather I should say, especially with those whose “finished” product is riddled with mistakes, you gain a reputation as “oh, you're one of those people, the self-published kind.” Trust me, you don't want that label, so please, let someone other than family and friends edit your work who will give you honest opinions.

And just to let you know, Werelove Dusk Conspiracy went through seven rounds of revisions before I published it.

How do you know where to begin any given story?

Mine usually start with vague ideas, maybe a jotted down sentence. I sit and I think about what type of character(s) have given me the idea and then I started building a world around them.

What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing?

I'm a single parent so my children are the biggest distraction but also fatigue, disinterest and my day job, all keep me from writing on occasion.

How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy took nine months to write and my other novel Jewels, took six months.

Who or what inspires you?

My children, people, nature, you name it, it's fair game when it comes to striking my imagination.

Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?

I think it can be either or both. For me it is natural and I acquired skills to polish it. I know some indie authors (self-published) that said they'd never written anything before that first novel and that they did extensive research to be able to do so.

What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?

Keep your options open. The market is changing and right now, ebooks, self-publishing and e-readers are the hot topics. Read up on these subjects. Be knowledgeable. Don't just think you can send your MS off and bam!, you'll be accepted. Only a small percentage ever get that lucky. With the new surge in self-publishing via Kindle, Smashwords.com, PubIt, and other places, you can take your fate into your own hands.

What are you writing now?

I've got three stories going right now. Moonbeams is a fantasy novel, I've got Nightcorn which is a paranormal novel and I've started on the sequel to Werelove, “Midnight Revelations”.

Where do you actually write?

A better question would be, where DON'T I write. If I can grab a few seconds, I sit and whip out my notebook and write on whatever story is in that particular notebook.

Links:

Author Website:

Author Blog:

Amazon UK:

Jewels

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Amazon UK Kindle:

Jewels

Werelove Dusk Conspiracy

Are Folk More Ill-Mannered These Days?

Image via Wikipedia

We all come across instances of poor manners; those who live in cities must suffer this most, whilst those in towns encounter more inconsiderate behaviour than those who live in rural areas. I believe it's density of population, sheer numbers, that is responsible for the fall in good manners. The larger the local population, the more difficult it is to feel part of a community and therefore to feel that sense of mutual obligation that makes for a more considerate mode of living.

We live cheek by jowl in cities and towns yet know few of those we pass in the street; possibly even being ignorant of the names of those who live next door or across the road. In villages and rural areas this sort of alienation is rare because all residents know each other and only unknown people are classified and treated as strangers. The fact that individuals are generally known tends to make for better behaviour, and rudeness, ignorance and antisocial habits are less frequent. The incidence of juvenile crime in such areas is lower because the children know that their parents will invariably get to hear about any wrong-doing.

But general good manners have been in decline for decades, more or less regardless of location. I can recall always stepping to the side to allow an older pedestrian to pass me in the street, always holding open a shop door to permit the entrance of those following me, regardless of gender or age, and many other small acts of good manners. And I was brought up first in a city and later in a town. But I note that bad manners appear to have nothing to do with either age or gender; people of all generations and both sexes seem equally incapable of applying the lubrication that allows life to run more smoothly.

I recall travelling on the Tube in London some years ago. A young pregnant woman entered the crowded compartment. Without a thought, I rose and offered her my seat; it was a simple natural action. She sneered at me and said something like, 'I can f**king stand as well as you, you condescending twat.' I put down her behaviour as an isolated case of extreme feminism and continue to offer my seat to the frail, disabled or elderly. A more timid man might have never dared make such an offer again.

Driving, I frequently come across situations where one party is required to give way to another and never fail to be surprised by how few acknowledge the action, simply driving through as though they owned the road.

I cannot be alone in decrying such behaviour. Let me know whether you agree or not and let me know why you feel it is important or trivial, please. Tell me about the sort of rudeness that really makes you angry, disappointed or frustrated. I'm interested in how others feel about this topic. 

Interview with Paul A Rudd, Author.

Paul Rudd works in Hollywood. You may know him as an actor from the hit show Friends or the comedy film Role Models and other megabucks movies. At weekends he spends his time by the lake house, writing poetry and expressing his musical tastes with his acoustic guitar…hold on a minute?

Can you set the record straight?

I must regret those expecting the Hollywood actor can look away now.

The real Paul A. Rudd works in London within a legal firm’s accounts division. In

his spare time he likes to spend time with his 15 month old daughter Alyssa and

fiancée Natalie.

When not enthralled by the entertaining cbeebies, he enjoys watching Liverpool

FC as much as possible and the rest of his time scribbling furiously into his

notepads. One day he hopes to ditch the day job and express his ideas to a wider

audience. And on a final note, he can categorically confirm, he has no acting

talent whatsoever!

Tell us about The ARC in a few sentences.

The ARC is my first novel and is a sea creature feature based around a floating city called the Aquatic Research City or ARC, for short. I threw in the mix, a prehistoric Megalodon shark, the Governor of California and a chum slick wide enough to encapsulate a rip roaring yarn filled with blood and guts and excitement. What is there, in that mixing pot, not to be intrigued by?

“Why a Megalodon? It has been done before,” I hear you ask.

Yes it has. I toyed with the idea of Huge Evasive Radioactive Biologically Enhanced Rainbow Trout or Herbert for short, but it didn’t quite have the same ring or menace to it! “Sir, we’ve got Herbert on the scanner?”

I simply love sharks and always have. Ever since a young age they have fascinated me. I could have chosen the vampire, werewolf, zombie or police genres but the shark genre (if there actually is one) has very few books to choose from, and not many recent ones. You have the greatest of all time, “Jaws” and that could never be matched. My ideas are straight from the hip. A new light shining upon a marble head, as I like to call it! So jump in and take a swim with the big fishes……that comment so needs to be followed up with the Jaws theme tune!

Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices

The basis of the story is set during the present day, with a few hops back in time, in the early stages. I started to write with one goal in mind as to end with a bang, but the further I got into the story the more I thought I could spread the basis of my ideas across more than one book. So to start in the present day, and perhaps finish a second or third book, within a ten year period in the storyline, seemed appropriate.

How did you come to write this particular book?

I can sum it up in one word, “stress”. After some self motivation, I needed to boost my horizons and writing seemed to take away any thoughts that I had of reverting back to a stressed individual. I had always wanted to write a story, but had never tried until 2006. After several false starts I thought of the sort of books and movies that I loved, and they just so happened to be creature features. So I thought why not just give it a try and see what happens. I had nothing to lose, except my mind!

At first, completing the manuscript was just for fun, but in the end I loved it, so did a few others that read it. I managed to get an agent and the rest, as they say, is history.

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?

This is my major gripe. I would say not ensuring your manuscript was the best it could be, before self-publishing. And I hold my hands up, “I am a culprit.”

I wrote mine in the present tense, as I knew no better. My agent informed me present tense normally related to film scripts etc so it would be better to change it. I’d already edited it myself on numerous occasions, so when it finally went for editing to another party, it was reverted back to past tense, but in some sections of the book it got jumbled. And to this day I have no idea why? I expected all the niggling bits and pieces to be rectified. I’ve learnt to ensure it is checked fully before it goes out.

With a baby daughter at the time, I didn’t have time to double check the edit and so I have to hold my hand up to the fact that the grammar and tenses are not the best that they could be, although this is nothing against the person who edited it. Being the author, the ball stops firmly at my feet. It is my responsibility overall.

Your one pet hate?

Is this the section whereby I can let off some steam?

I note Stuart nods from across the table, while holding up a copy of my book for protection!

In that case it is simple. My pet hate is people that criticise but have never tried it themselves. It’s like anything you try. Are you expert when you start out, no, but you learn from your mistakes and carry on regardless?

I feel so sorry for all self-published authors struggling to make a name. Ever since I self-published The ARC, I get the same thought when I hear the words, “I read your book but…” It seems to me that despite the fact I knew of no other person who had released or even tried to write a manuscript, it turns out the day I released it, everyone I met since is a ****** expert!

Don’t get me wrong, everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but read the story and then comment. Don’t read a few lines and then rant about the errors.

These people have no idea how much time and effort goes in to building a story up or what research you need to undertake. It doesn’t happen overnight.

For example; to ensure the Megalodon shark, that no longer exists, was as accurate as I could make it, I could not simply Google a video and expect to see one smiling back at me! And then you have the ARC itself. I needed to know would it be feasible to write about a city that floats on the sea. Now come on, do you narrow minded so and so’s care to enlighten me with the details? No, I didn’t think so. Perhaps my original idea of inflating rubber rings under the city would have been adequate after all!!

(Note from Stuart…….In a rage Paul ripped his copy of The ARC in half and demanded his entourage bring him fresh water produced from the most natural pools of earth‘s water fountains and a slice of bread touched by the fairest of maidens. After a thirty minute cooling off period, and Paul informing me that the last comment about rubber rings was actually tongue in cheek, we continue the interview.)

Do you have a website or blog that readers can visit?

I am in the process of designing a website that has some great ideas on it. I’m really impressed with what these guys can do. It will express some short stories, other ideas I have, that sort of thing. So should anyone have managed to escape from questions six and seven I hope it will eventually be named www.theauthorpaulrudd.com or something along those lines? In the meantime, I have a blog http://thearcanovelbypaulrudd.blogspot.com/….have a look folks, just keep your feet out of the water.

What are you writing now?

I have my fingers in many pies and ideas that are all just waiting to burst free from the seams. I just want to get them out there and I need the time to do it. So any publishers reading this who may want to take a cheeky punt on an unknown, contact me and I’ll be all ears! I just need a chance.

What would you say to anyone who may be interested in your book?

Just give it a go. I’ve highlighted some errors already that I wished I had ironed out, but the story is, well I shouldn’t say really, I want people to judge for themselves. It is hard enough to self promote, but in the end I believe it is the story that matters. If I receive enough praise or I am noticed, the inconsistencies can be amended at a later date. It is a shame, but those who have looked past the minor errors have loved the outcome of the story. Just take a look at the reviews on Amazon. I know two people who left reviews and I am one of them. As for the others, I have no idea who they are. Surely that means something, in this day and age?

How can people buy your book?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ARC-Paul-Rudd/dp/1449099459

http://www.amazon.com/ARC-Paul-Rudd/dp/1449099459

http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000373548

Waterstones & Bookfinder are useful and lists lots of different ways to purchase it.

Sum up your story in one sentence?

A rip roaring yarn for the new generation of shark enthusiasts!

Thanks Stuart for giving me this chance to express my views and for allowing me and my entourage to invade your privacy! And to anyone who dares venture forth with the Megalodon, enjoy the read, it’s just a bit of fun.

Two Great Places for Readers to Discover Books

Goodreads  is a social networking site that concentrates on books and gives visitors and members the chance to exchange information about their reading experience. Members rate books and can post reviews, or you can simply read the reviews of others. The range of reading material covered is vast; everything from serious classic works to the fluffiest of fantasy, ancient to modern, fact and fiction. It's a great way of finding new reading material and I love going on there from time to time to remind myself of those books I read years ago and have now almost forgotten.
Image via Wikipedia

Reviewers' Roundup does a similar thing on Facebook, carrying up to the minute news of new books, places to go to find reviews and news about books. It's a lively community and certainly worthy of a visit. It's a friendly place and very welcoming.

Catherine Condie, Author, on Whirl of the Wheel

A slightly different take on the interview with Catherine, refreshing in her approach, for which I thank her. Here’s how we went about it.

Born in Cambridge,UK, Catherine began her career in PR and corporate communications, progressing as an editor of science journals, and as communications advisor for a European programme. She currently works in internet marketing and is a school literacy governor. Catherine is also a singer/songwriter and guitarist, and plays in a rock band.

Whirl of the Wheel summary

Three children whirl back in time through an enchanted potter’s wheel into the reality of evacuation in 1940s Britain . . . Whirl of the Wheel pulls feisty Connie, her brother Charlie-Mouse, and school pest Malcolm into dangers on the homefront and towards a military operations secret that will save their home. The children hit trouble when Malcolm fails to return to the present day.

Poetry of a normal day

My tea is steaming so I’ll type and it will cool down as my fingers work their way to the end of this, my first blog.
I drink cold tea most days. There’s usually something more pressing than getting to drink hot tea. It could be writing a bit of promotional material, or checking a website. Or continuing with my latest project to get noticed as an up-and-coming author, or to put everything in place so I can make my fortune by running my business from home. Oh and yes, I will need to pick the children up from school, attend reading club beforehand and prepare for the latest school governor’s meeting. Maybe tomorrow, and only after I’ve cleaned the bathroom, I’ll get back to work on my new book.
I started enjoying creative writing at a reasonably young age. My mother recently handed me a batch of school reports, which along with the numerous ‘Catherine tries hard’ comments is a hint of something in the line written by Mrs Farrow, the form teacher who brought everything together in my final year at Queen Edith’s County Primary School. ‘Poetry is her forté,’ Mrs Farrow wrote. I have always remembered this. Thank you Mrs Farrow. And from another of my most favourite teachers (we both had frizzy hairstyles) Miss Faben in Class 5 (Year 4) there is, ‘Stories interesting and well written.’
I tell you about my primary school days because I remember the pride of having my poetry (mostly rhyming) pinned up on the walls of various classrooms as I weaved through the school years. The encouragement from this time is lasting and I have to say I still try to be poetic in my writing. It is the feeling a pattern of sentences or collection of words evokes that interests me most, and I try hard to present my stories and songs in similar creative fashion.
I started song writing just as soon as I could play the guitar at the age of nine. Thank you Mr Ife, Class 2 (Year 5), always smiling. My mother duly sent in a tape of five songs I had recorded to Roger Whittaker who had a slot on the radio at the time. Roger replied, very politely, and suggested I should continue.
At this point I will spare you my musical history, of how I could have learned to read music and therefore allowed myself a chance of superstardom, and of my life history where I forwent university for various good reasons at the time. I will also put off a splurge on my happy and successful career, which keeps the writing thread attached. But I will note very briefly the early days of my song writing, as they contain an important link to the context of my first novel thirty years later.
I have a folder of over 100 songs and many more beginnings of songs I have written with my guitar. I like vocal or instrumental harmonies in music. Inspired primarily by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and the harmonised groups of the sixties, by the country music playing out on our music centre, musicals on tv, and later by the Cambridge Folk Festival and artists such as Kirsty McColl and Kate & Anna McGarrigle, my song writing began with basic ballads, and when I reached secondary school I began to perform to the public. I teamed up with my best friend Hilary and we would sing and play to a large group of elderly visitors in the school youth club, or later at school reviews. Needless to say, our harmonies were our forté and the song writing began to roll.
This writing pun brings me nicely to Whirl of the Wheel, although it is my book and not a song at all. Why did I write it? What is it about?
I wrote it because I would try for many years to come up with the ultimate mystery story in my head. I’d been an avid Agatha Christie reader and I believe I must have coupled the excitement of these mysteries with the stories of Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt etc. and bound with these the experiences of my even younger reading days with Enid Blyton. The seeds had been sown, and my songs with their verses, middle eights, instrumentals, and verse repeats gave me patterns of structure I understood and could transfer in some way to my writing. Of course there have since been many more creative influences that have nurtured the book and which include, I am proud to say, the strong writing skills of my parents.

I finished Whirl of the Wheel early this year. It is a traditional adventure into World War II for children and young adults, with a mystery and a bit of a twist. But more than anything it’s a story led by a normal girl who happens to be in a wheelchair . . . Connie is modelled on my best friend Hilary’s daughter, Katie.
I have attempted to make Whirl of the Wheel a fun book and Connie and her brother Charlie-Mouse make that happen. But the story brings with it a certain reality of war in a way that may educate. And for me, ‘living the experiences’ of each of the characters and writing letters from the evacuees, Kit and Bert, were the most enjoyable parts of all.
The book has been a great adventure . . . one of my projects, yes, but the one that has given me the greatest challenges and most focus. It has taken me willingly from factual editor all the way back to my poetry beginnings at primary school and taught me that it’s okay to write for pleasure and to be proud of what can be achieved.
My writing challenges are growing along with my children too. I am moving my target age group accordingly. For my next project (after the sparkling bathroom sink) I am getting to grips with a young adult thriller and both will be old enough to enjoy it by the time the book is finished. A whodunnit? Not quite, a bit more Bourne Identity to music I think.
But before I get too detailed, I think I’m going to have to ask you to hold the post here because I have to rush off to reading club. It’s 2.30pm, and I’ve noticed that as I go I need to clear away two full teacups of varying temperature from the dining table behind me.

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful?

My biggest mistake when starting out as a writer was presuming that as an experienced journalist and editor and mother of two under-10s I knew how to write for children. As any marketing professional knows, each target market is approached differently and this is the same for writing. I entered a steep learning curve to develop my writing skills specifically for the 8+ age group.

To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer?

I see grammar and spelling as my strong points and am grateful that I am in most respects a perfectionist when it comes to writing and production editing. I think if you wish to be noticed in the slush pile, or to have any credibility in the self-published market, you need to present your work correctly. And so yes, my opinion is that the presentation of a manuscript is equally as important as an eye-catching story, or skilled writing.

How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off?

Once I finally finished my manuscript I decided to self-publish. I am still keen to be represented, as it adds that extra layer of recognition, but first and foremost I thought I would like to gain credibility in the rapidly expanding electronic marketplace.

To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world?

Whirl of the Wheel is written for the older child/young adult. In the UK this might span school years 4 to 8. But I would hope that the tale appeals to adults also. In this respect, sometimes genre is restrictive if books are labelled as age-specific.

How do you know where to begin any given story?

When beginning a book (or a scene) I always have it in my mind to get in on the story late and to leave it early. I think this works perfectly for the age groups I write for.

Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?

I worked with Cornerstones Literary Agency in 2008, attending a residential writing course and the support of regular communication. I have found the association with Cornerstones to be valuable and encouraging. The company maintains an interest in my work, and in my new book. I am also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Editors and attend seminars and events. On the internet, my story development was accelerated by my presence on Authonomy. I am currently working with Authors on Show to promote myself more effectively. My children, my family and friends have been my greatest helpers in writing this book.

How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

I began writing Whirl of the Wheel in between looking after my young children and working part-time. So it didn't really take priority. Once I decided to change career direction, things happened much more quickly. I would say it took me about three years to write, but that the last six months were the most inspired. I am now half way through my second novel and this has taken me only a couple of months. The learning I have acquired during Whirl of the Wheel has enabled me to develop my story more quickly, and with confidence.

If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?

My greatest problem as a children's writer is my tendency to want to keep things as short and concise. The need as an editor to be complete in my meaning in as few words as possible will probably never leave me and I find it infuriating when I carry out a word count as I am sure the book should be longer! Thankfully, I love description, and I hope this complements my style of writing.

Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill?

I think creativity is a natural gift, which can be translated in many different ways, including writing. But I also think that writing can be learned. Like any subject, it can be studied and work can be crafted to form an effective or pleasing result. But if we are to differentiate, I suppose you could liken a piece of writing to a piece of music. If played by a naturally talented musician, then a piece will impact the listener with a complete range of emotions. With a piece of writing, if there is natural creativity on any number of levels, there may be extra emotional or poetic dimensions also.

What single piece of advice would you give to writers still hoping to be published?

For those wishing to see their work in print, I would say that there has never been a better opportunity than now. With the rise in popularity of electronic reading devices and audiobooks, publishing a book is now a process rather than a dream. There are so many ways you can distribute your book to your readership, and the internet has presented a massive base for marketing electronic and printed matter. Indeed, a senior member of the HarperCollins team noted at its July 2010 seminar that self-publishing is not a barrier to being signed by a major publisher, and it can be of benefit to create an awareness of a writer's talents.

What are you writing now?

I'm currently working to turn Whirl of the Wheel into an audiobook. I am also writing a young-adult thriller set in France, which I hope to finish for early 2011.

How can people buy your book?

Whirl of the Wheel is available for free multi-format download at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7707

In paperback for £5.98 at Amazon in the UK and in the USA for $9.39

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whirl-Wheel-Catherine-Condie/dp/1445286483

USA: http://www.amazon.com/Whirl-Wheel-Catherine-Condie/dp/1445286483

Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit?

Whirl of the Wheel blog at http://catherinecondie.wordpress.com/

Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

I'd love to have my own writing study, but I'm not fussy - I write in our dining room, looking out into our small but pleasant garden. I'd love to write outside, but I'd have to solve the screen glare first!

  

Thank you Stuart!

Best wishes

Catherine

To Tell the Truth, or Alter It?

Image via CrunchBase

As fiction writers, we often take factual situations and even people as the basis for our stories. To what extent is it valid and/or morally defensible to pass off an altered factual account as fiction? I was prompted to ask this question when one of my writing friends, Patricia Love, invited me to a LinkedIn discussion forum as follows: Has anyone ever written a piece of fiction based on a public or historical event, or a piece of news that required some investigative reporting?

(Some areas of interest are whether writers find it challenging to present a narrative that is reliable, yet subtly subjective.) You might wish to follow the link and join in the discussion; I have.

But, back to my question. Many books have been written as fictionalised versions of a factual situation, or thinly disguised portrayals of real people. My interest is in whether such conversion is right; morally, artistically and socially. We live in a world where it is now possible to present entirely fictional information as fact, whether in written, photographic or film form. In fact, due to advances in the CGI process, it is becoming almost impossible to tell the real from the manufactured in film nowadays. The amalgam of journalism with online mechanisms makes the reporting of items, once considered as 'news', open to all manner of distortion, plagiarism and Chinese whispers (my apologies to Oriental friends). So that we, as the consumers of the news, are no longer able to determine whether what we are being shown, told, informed about, is real or merely the workings of some fevered journalistic brain.

I recognise that we are far too far down the road of technology to go back to the days of newsprint and lead type. Though there is no real evidence that news presented in those 'good old days' was either neutral or factually accurate, of course. But we do need to be aware that the world we now inhabit allows ideas, opinions, propaganda and dogma to be presented as truth, and that this 'truth' is then abused by people in positions of power.

Is there anything we can do, as citizens intent on discovering the reality behind a given news story, to learn what is true and what is false? Short of examining the issue from a number of different and disparate viewpoints, we are unable to sort the chaff from the wheat.

It is for this reason that organisations such as the BBC World Service, still a well-respected purveyor of news over the globe, must continue to be strictly governed to prevent both deliberate and accidental bias or distortion. Doubtless, there are other international news organisations that are currently equally trusted. We lose these organs of truth at our peril. For, without them, we dive steeply into the world of those newsrags that sell lies, mistruths, legends and myths (urban or otherwise) as truth entirely from a profit motive. Under such a regime, we will find ourselves incapable of trusting any information gained and will become unable to form informed opinions and make important choices on all manner of subjects.

Which takes me back to the fiction question. Is it right to take real situations and people and turn them into fiction? Or, does this practice encourage the use of fiction in real journalism? This is an invitation to discuss and put forward points of view, so, please, let's have them.

Interview with Jesse S. Greever, Author.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Image via WikipediaI actually have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and I have worked as a teacher, a government researcher and a high-technology sales professional.  I have always had a keen sense of curiosity about the world in which we live, and I take that curiosity and use it to craft stories that address these curiosities.  My first published story, “A Summer Wedding” is an unusually short flash-fiction piece available from Untreed Reads publishing, and has enjoyed enormous success in the United Kingdom.  My recent release, “5”, is available at most United States eBook retailers, and will be coming soon (in the next few weeks) to United Kingdom retailers. It is also available through Amazon.co.uk as a Kindle ebook.

Tell us about "5" in a few sentences:

"5" tells the story of a man frantically trying to contact a quality assurance inspector at a clothing factory after he finds the "Inspected by #5" slip in his new pants pocket with a mysterious message written on the flipside.  When he learns the truth of the message, he finds something entirely unexpected.

How did you come to write “5”?

I was actually sitting in a hotel room in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a business trip, and had some time to kill (as is often the case when I’m away from home).  I remember, as a child, occasionally finding these little slips of paper in my jeans pockets announcing that the pants had been inspected by someone, usually indicated by a number.  I had always been curious about whom these people were and what they must be doing, and as a result, I set up a situation where a man seemingly received a slip with a cry for help on it.  Interestingly, as I molded the story, I found the main characters guiding me towards a resolution that even I didn’t initially see coming.  What started as a story of paranoid intrigue evolved into something quite unforeseen.

How do you set about writing a piece?

I was educated as a scientist, so I have always had an inquiring mind.  The “seed” for a story generally starts with a “What If?” type of question.  In the case of “5”, I wondered about the lives of these seemingly anonymous inspectors at clothing factories.  In the case of my previous story, “A Summer Wedding”, I built upon a question about teenage love and how our emotional intelligence evolves as we become older and wiser.

What do you think makes a successful writer?

Well, I’m not sure I’m what you would call “successful” in any conventional sense.  I define my success by actually having established a relationship with a publisher (Untreed Reads) that found my stories compelling and agreed to publish them.  I guess, looking at my stories and the stories that I like to read, I believe what makes a writer successful is the ability to either tell a compelling story effectively, or take a solid story and telling it in a compelling manner.  For instance, a story that is inherently compelling can be told poorly or fantastically, depending on the writer’s skill.  Likewise, a wonderful author can take any situation and tell it in a gripping manner that makes you want to keep turning the pages.

How long does it take you to write your works?

5That, of course, depends on the length of the work.  When it comes to short stories and flash fiction, I generally try to write the first draft in a single sitting.  I don’t start writing until the story line is complete in my mind, although, sometimes I find that as I develop characters, they start to bend the story to their will.  For instance, I wrote the first draft of “5” in about two hours.  It’s not a terribly long story, but as I was writing it, I found the story evolve around the main character’s loneliness.

In the case of longer works, such as my forthcoming longer story, “The Annex”, it took me about seven or eight hours, split up over a week, to come up with the first draft.  I am also working on a Novella that is about 50 pages in length that required about three weeks to fashion a rough draft that told the story I wanted to tell.  Another three or four weeks of revising and rewriting was required until I was happy with the manuscript.

Overall, I guess the simple answer is it takes as long as it takes.

How do you know where to begin a particular story?

For me, a story starts with a single idea or a curiosity.  But in order for me to start writing the story, it has to be built around a character.  Characters drive the story.  I know that no matter how fabulous an idea is, without the proper cast of characters, the story can go nowhere.  So, when writing, the story begins and ends with the characters.  It begins with the character exploring the story idea, and it ends when the character has followed the story to the logical conclusion.  As I said before, sometimes, I let the characters dictate the story to me, as they become more real during the development phase.  In those cases, the story is finished when they tell me it’s finished.  I don’t know that I could fully explain that, but I just get a certain feeling that the character is satisfied with how the events have unfolded, and when that occurs, it’s time to “put down the pen”

What are you working on now?

I’ve submitted a manuscript called “Morningstar: Dawning” to Untreed Reads that I’ve been working on for the past few months.  Hopefully, if it is published and well received, it will be the beginning of a series of novellas that explores an idea that I have been incubating for the past few years:  What if the Devil decided to make himself known to the world, and ostensibly give up fighting the battle for humanity?  It’s probably my favorite work that I’ve done to date, simply because it allows me to tell (what I believe to be) a fascinating story, all while exploring deep metaphysical and spiritual concepts.

How much manuscript revision do you do before submitting to a publisher?

For me, if a story is read out loud, and flows both grammatically and logically, then it is finished.  It is amazing how different my stories sound in my head as opposed to being read out loud.  I find all sorts of issues with my prose as I say the words aloud, and I find it to be one of the most effective revision tools in my arsenal.

How did you come to work with Untreed Reads publishing?

Untreed Reads is an exclusively digital publisher, and I decided that if I were going to find a publisher with which I could form a relationship, digital publishing was the way to go.  I realized that most traditional publishers would be less likely to take a chance on an unknown.  However, digital publishing requires considerably less overhead, and I surmised that those publishers might be more willing to try out a new author.  Untreed Reads accepted my first story, “A Summer Wedding” gladly and worked with me to polish it and get it ready for publication.  As I worked with Jay Hartman (editor), I found that I would much rather focus my energy on working with a single publisher and forging a solid relationship, and so at this point, I am publishing solely and exclusively with Untreed Reads.  They have a tremendous distribution network, both in the United States and abroad, and in fact, through their fabulous marketing efforts, “A Summer Wedding” has consistently been on the short story bestseller list at Waterstones.com.

Is there any aspect of writing that you find particularly frustrating?

I am not, by nature, a very patient person.  Writing has taught me patience.  Many times, I sit down with a story idea, and I want to regurgitate it onto the screen as quickly as possible.  However, once I’m in the middle of writing, impatience can actually work against me.  I have to slow down and develop the setting and characters carefully.  Once I take the time to address those facets of the story, the story begins to unfold on its own, far more effectively than if I tried to force the story out quickly.

Beginning writers make many mistakes; what do you think is the most harmful and what advice would you give?

In my view, the biggest mistake a beginning writer can make is believing there is no room for improvement on any given story.  When I wrote “5”, I thought it was as close to perfect as it could be.  When Jay returned the story with suggestions, I quickly realized that by adding a few paragraphs near the end of the story, the poignancy of the tale reached a new level.  The best suggestion I can give a new writer is this:  be open to suggestions.  Generally, if an editor is making suggestions, it means that they are interested in the story.  Even if you disagree initially with their assessment, try revising to address the questions and concerns.  It is surprising how much a story can improve just by doing that.

Links to “5”:

http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=56

http://www.amazon.co.uk/5/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1286830664&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/5-ebook/dp/B0045Y26G8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1286830516&sr=8-2

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26108

My Blog is here.

Is Population a Primary Cause of Global Climate Change?

Image via Wikipedia

Does anyone else feel, as I do, that the rising human population is probably the greatest threat to our security on the planet? Currently, according to the World Population Clock as I write, there are 6,855,542,801 (click the link and frighten yourself to death as you watch it increase before your eyes). The same counter estimates a world population of 8,730,121,285 by November 2050.

These numbers are too large to properly comprehend, of course. But the overall upward trend terrifies me. We have already reached a stage where millions are starving, millions if not billions have no access to safe water supplies, energy reserves are too scarce to go round, and many mineral resources are rapidly declining.

As the underdeveloped nations climb the ladder toward a Western level of consumerism, the calls on almost every resource will become unsustainable. If we can’t avoid starvation in the world now, how are we going to do so with a 20% increase in mouths to feed? Many experts predict that the next wars will be over drinking water; that seems to me like stating the bleeding obvious.

The increased consumption of materials and fuel and the resultant output of pollutants and carbon dioxide will inevitably accelerate the rate of climate change, which in turn, will add damaging stress to the ecosystems producing crops.

It is likely that war is inevitable under such circumstances. As a species, and as separate social groups, we have always shown a remarkably blinkered attitude to inevitable changes. Many of the civilisations that preceded ours vanished or declined rapidly as a result of ecological disasters. Are we to go the same way?

We do have a choice. We can do something to prevent catastrophe. It won’t affect me, other than at the very end of my likely lifespan. But it will affect my child and any individual currently under the age of about 40.

A fundamental change has to be the way we view our reproduction as a species. We have long had the means to limit our growth, to reduce the many children born to some couples. Of course, there are authorities in the world who see such intervention as sinful and against the will of their God. Perhaps these authorities should look at the poverty, misery and distress that their insistence on such dogma cause. The perceived need to continually increase the membership of any club (for which, read religious grouping) is hardly a reason to threaten the stability of life on Earth, is it?

They will no doubt use the defence that we must not behave as if we were God. But we do that daily by our intervention in the health and welfare of the population at large. If we can intervene to save life, why can’t we intervene to prevent its development?

I’ve had my say – or some of it – and now invite you to say your piece. Please, let me and the world know what you think about this.

Author Interview with Victoria Roder

I’m author Victoria Roder.  I live in beautiful central Wisconsin and I’m an average girl that likes to hang out with my family.  We enjoy camping, hiking, shooting bow, and motorcycle rides.  My first novel a paranormal romance ghost story, The Dream House: Visions and Nightmares was released by www.asylettpress.com .  My serial murder mystery Bolt Action was released April 2010 from www.champagnebooks.com

Tell us about your action thriller, Bolt Action.

Secrets of the past, murder, mystery, revenge, deception, sexual tension, and the “State Quarter Killer”; Bolt Action offers it all.  Detective Leslie Bolt is a tough talking, gun hording, motorcycle riding investigator with as much insecurity as the rest of us.  After a childhood of abuse suffered at the hands of her father, Leslie stashes a collection of pistols, revolvers, and even keeps a Browning A-Bolt Stalker Rifle in her broom closet.  She is stand-offish and down right rude.  Having to work a serial murder case with her handsome ex-lover Detective Lance Kestler doesn’t improve her disposition. 

The “State Quarter Killer” is selecting victims that appear to have nothing in common except for the State Quarter placed under their lifeless bodies.  As the body count mounts, Leslie Bolt begins to fall for the sexy medical examiner, Jack Donington.  Perhaps a couple of Harley’s, paint drumming to music, and a new romance can help Detective Bolt conquer her own demons from the past.  When Bolt’s apartment is tossed and her sister goes missing the question rises; will Detective Bolt capture the serial killer before her sister is the next victim? 

Where is Bolt Action available?

From Amazon.com here.

Bolt Action is also available in paperback here. 

How did you come to write this particular book?

I am addicted to true crime shows, so it was just a matter of time before I wrote a serial murder mystery.  The idea of Bolt Action started with the characters, Detective Leslie Bolt and her sister Tasha.  My personal story of adoption was published in the anthology entitled A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, Adams Media 2009.  My story entitled Why I Believe in Angels is the account of how I came to live with my current family at the age of seven.  With their acceptance and support, they helped me become who I am today.  That publication has inspired many people to share their own stories of adoption with me.  Heartfelt tales told through the eyes of parents and also from the children that were adopted.  I am sorry to report I also heard a few troubled stories of adoption, and one comment remained in my thoughts and stalked me.  That sole comment became the disposition for the sisters in my novel, Bolt Action.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I have a spot in my heart for Detective Leslie Bolt.  I can understand her hard, kick ass, outer shell and the chip on her shoulder, but she’s a good person and wants to reach out without knowing how.  I feel pain and pity for her sister Tasha because she acts happy on the outside, but she is bitter and superficial.  Life can be hard, but we choose our positive or negative attitude.

   

How much time do you spent on plotting etc before you start writing?

        

An idea will formulate in my head and once a character starts talking to me I begin writing.  So far, I don’t plot stories out.  I do write a description of the characters down on paper, so that I don’t give them green eyes on page 4 and blue eyes on page 104.  My characters take on a life of their own, I just tell their story. 

Where do you do most of your writing?

 

In my den, but I’ve been known to scribble notes on gum wrappers and restaurant napkins.

 

You’ve also written a ghost story/murder mystery.  

Tell us about your story, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares.      

Although a sweet romance develops throughout the novel, it is a murder mystery wrapped in a paranormal ghost.  I personally have had a recurring dream since I was a child about a house that my family lived.  With encouragement from my sister, Tammy, that dream and the house became the premise for my novel, The Dream House Visions and Nightmares.  A ghost in a bloody nightgown pleads for help for her children, dream sequences of blood spewing out of windows, drowning, and walking across human bones foretell of sins of the past and forewarn of danger in the present.  After recurring dreams stalk her, Hope Graham returns home to learn that the truth can be more frightening than a nightmare. The Dream House Visions and Nightmares contains, ghosts…dream interpretation…revenge…and murder!

It is available at www.asylettpress.com and

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dream-House-Visions-Nightmares/dp/1934337641/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

What are your current projects and works in progress?

My first picture book, What if a Zebra had Triangles? Will be released by Vintage Reflections Publishing.  I am excited about paranormal thriller, The Haunting of Ingersull Penitentiary that I just finished.   Detective Leslie Bolt will return to kick a little butt in Bolt Reaction: A Detective Leslie Bolt Mystery.  I am also working on a children’s puzzle book, The This, That, and Another Kind of Puzzle Book, and two picture books, An Important Job to Do – A Noah’s Ark Tale and Baby’s First Book of Jesus. 

Please feel free to visit and contact me through my website at www.victoriaroder.com

You can't change the past, but you can choose your future.