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

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

Interview with MJ Webb, Author.

MJ Webb is the author of Jake West – ‘The Keeper of the Stones’.  The book started out as a project for his children that he thought would take countless years to complete (hence why it was aimed at teenagers and young adults, even though his children were two and three years old at the time).  He started writing and couldn’t stop.  Forty-three chapters later he realised he had an epic on his hands which would delight and enthral young minds.

A fulltime worker and dad, he has very little spare time and had to sacrifice things in order to write this novel; his gym membership went (gone up a notch on his belt), golf clubs were sold (paid for a few flyers) and hisTriumph Daytona went to some lucky chap from Lincoln.  His marriage somehow survived the ordeal and he and his wife are still on speaking terms (though it was touch and go for a while).

It’s been the hardest, most fulfilling thing he’s ever done and to finally see it in print....  Priceless !

Tell us about Jake West – ‘The Keeper of the Stones’ in a few sentences.

My debut novel is an introductory novel intended to be the first of a three book series.

When fifteen year old Jake West and his best friend, Ben Brooker, help Jake’s grandfather clear his attic of the junk he’s collected from his years of travelling, the boys discover an old chest containing a beautifully carved wooden box.  The box contains a set of five mysterious stones and, when they erupt to emit a bright beam of light, it sparks an epic journey which will lead Jake into a dangerous world and to the discovery of some strange family secrets.

In an instant he becomes the latest in a long line of world protectors, a symbol of hope to millions and prey to all the warriors, wizards and evil tyrants who now know of his and the stones’ existence.  When fifteen year old Jake West and his best friend, Ben Brooker, help Jake’s grandfather clear his attic of the junk he’s collected from his years of travelling, the boys discover an old chest containing a beautifully carved wooden box.  The box contains a set of five mysterious stones and, when they erupt to emit a bright beam of light, it sparks an epic journey which will lead Jake into a dangerous world and to the discovery of some strange family secrets.

It’s an epic tale set in a war torn fantasy land of deposed Kings, wizards and ferocious warriors. A story of courage, honour, loyalty and friendship. But it’s also about coming of age and facing ones fears.

The fate of millions on this world and countless others now lies in the hands of a teenage boy from Lichfield; if he can’t protect the Stones.......

How did you come to write this particular book?

I was looking through a book club magazine, trying to take advantage of the introductory offer and choose some books for my children. I wanted ones for when they were much older, but I wasn’t impressed with the choices and I found myself thinking, ‘I could write a book.’ The more I thought about it, the more the idea gripped me and I raced for a pen.  Forty-three chapters later, the plot had grown beyond all recognition and I realised this was book 1 of a series of adventures.

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

I love the main evil warrior, Sawdon. He is awesome and incredibly scary but you can’t help but admire his sense of pride, loyalty, honour and the respect and adulation he has earned from his warriors. Wouldn’t want to face him in battle though.

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

Lichfield, England. Present day. I love this city. It’s full of history and character. The people are the kindest I’ve known. There’s a real feelgood factor surrounding the place even in the worst of times and it’s always welcoming.

The fantasy land of Rhuaddan on the continent of Estia. It allows my imagination to run riot.

How can people buy your book?

Online at www.authorhouse.co.uk and .com where it’s at it’s cheapest. Also on other sites including Amazon.

What qualities make a successful writer?

A vivid imagination, the ability to absorb information and learn continually, humility and a sense of humour.  Oh and patience....  Lots and lots of patience.

How do you set about writing a piece?

I set out a loose plan of where I want to go/get to. Then I completely ignore it and let my pen foxtrot all over the page until my fingers ache. I read it back, edit it 32 times (not really) and decide enough’s enough. Really, my limited available time means that I often sit down not knowing what I’m going to write, only that I have to write something. I’ve found forcing it out actually works and I’m soon in the groove and flowing until I can’t stop.

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

Impatience. Submitting before your work is ready and burning those valuable bridges as you rarely get a second chance.

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

It depends if you can afford a full professional edit. I couldn’t and it was therefore vital. My readers may not care, but those in the industry I’d like to impress sure do.

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

Oh absolutely loads of editing and re-editing, right up to the last minute.  Never satisfied.

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

I think it can be harmful to pigeonhole people’s work. Because mine is classed as fantasy, many publishers and agents would not even look at it. I think that is a little short sighted and wonder if they passed on J K Rowling’s books for the same reason? I respect their right to make that decision, but I wish they’d have just taken a glance at it.  (SA – this is a common problem for fiction writers who step into the fantasy world – I suspect many agents and publishers have no idea of the richness of the genre. But, to be pragmatic about it; if the agent/publisher isn’t keen on the genre, they’re hardly going to devote time and effort to it, are they?)

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

Take all advice on board but make up your own mind in the end. You should know if your work is good enough and if you believe in yourself, persevere and keep trying. You have to be in it to win it.

What are you writing now?

The sequel. Seven chapters in its untitled and absolutely blooming brilliant. Lol

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

Yes. www.jakewest.co.uk  I’m also on Facebook in the Fans of Jake West Group. 

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

I’m happy at home in England. A nice country cottage somewhere and a roaring fire. Bliss.

Where do you actually write?

Martini. Anytime, anywhere, any place. The search for peace and quiet is endless. Anyone free for babysitting?  

Interview with Jake Webber, Author

Image by stuartaken via FlickrA lifelong resident of Louisiana, Jake Webber enjoys researching and studying history. He attended Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His professional background is in the medical field. He is married and lives in Baton Rouge with his wife and two children. Jake is an avid reader who loves a good story. He also loves history. In his first novel, he combines the two loves for an interesting adventure.

SA: Tell us about Lafitte’s Black Box in a few sentences. JW: Lafitte's Black Box is an action/adventure set in New Orleans aimed at teens and young adults. Discovering a box that has been buried for two centuries, a young boy finds himself on a quest for Lafitte's treasure through modern day New Orleans. Since moving to the Big Easy, Deveraux Parker has had a hard time fitting in and finding friends, but as events unravel, he makes some unsavory pals and begins an unexpected adventure taking him to the oldest and most mysterious places in old New Orleans. SA:   What qualities do you need to be a successful writer? JW: Imagination, patience, tenacity, and self determination. I think a keen eye that sees things in people and situations that other people maybe don't see. Small things or odd eccentricities that may be beneath the surface that can be incorporated into characters or stories. SA:.  What is your working method? JW: Initially, a rough outline of the story, character development by writing a few paragraphs about them...their personality, look, fears, insecurities, desires, etc.  Research of places, people, time period, etc. Then I close my eyes and imagine the scene and write. Review and rewrite. SA:  What is the single biggest mistake made by beginners to writing? JW: Possibly not putting enough research into the story or into the story's setting.  Maybe poor character development as well. SA:    How did you come to write this particular book? JW:  Lafitte's Black Box came to me literally during a night of insomnia. I began to imagine ways to fall asleep and the premise of the book came to my mind. My main character is pulled back in time through a dream. I mentioned to my wife that I wish someone would write a book as I described what I had imagined. My wife suggested to me that I should write it. The next morning, I thought to myself, why not and began researching writing and my central character and setting. SA:    If you have a favourite character in your novel, why that particular one? JW: Gaston, the pirate that Devereaux befriends is my favorite. He has the look of a killer but a heart of gold. I actually wished I would have developed him a bit more. I can see him coming  back later in the series. SA:    How can people buy your book? JW: My book is available on Amazon, Kindle, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes and Noble, and most Internet book sites. Many independent bookstores have it as well as some Barnes and Noble and Borders. Many of the stores will order it as well if you ask. It's also available on my publishers site, http://www.llumina.com/store/lafittesblackbox.htm. SA:  To what extent are grammar and spelling important to a writer? JW: I think to a great extent. Certainly, an editor and publisher will correct those, although some errors slip through. I believe a writer could lose some credibility. Hooray for spell check. SA:    How much revision of your MS do you do before you send it off? JW: As much as I can and feel comfortable before sending it off. I'll reread it and rewrite many times. SA:  Where and when is your novel set and why did you make these specific choices? JW: Lafitte's Black Box is set in New Orleans both in the present and in the early 1800's. My central character, Jean Lafitte, lived there and during that time. I think New Orleans is a mysterious and interesting place. I wanted to teach a little history of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans to the reader. SA: To what extent do you think genre is useful in the publishing world? JW: It helps classify and define a work. Writers and story's can be grouped and placed. It's useful for the publisher to target writers, audiences, advertising, etc. As soon as you think of an idea for a story, you will begin looking at who your audience will be. You will think to yourself, what kind of story is this. So to answer your question, I think in the publishing world it is very useful. SA:  What are your writing habits? JW: Writing is new to me. I like to write short stories. I am my worst critic and will get frustrated and not write for awhile. I am currently writing the follow up to Lafitte's Black Box. I have the third in mind to write afterwards for at least a three part series. SA:  How do you know where to begin any given story? JW: I think each story is different. Each story is special. The beginning usually comes to me and I let it take me to where it leads. Sometimes that is to a dead end, but sometimes it can me magical. SA:  What sort of displacement activities keep you from actually writing? JW: My real job is a distraction.  That is sort of a joke, but it puts food on the table. I have a hard time writing at home. There is always too much going on around me which makes it too hard to focus on my writing. Finding those quiet moments are a gem and those moments have to be taken before they are gone. SA:  Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group? JW: My family is my biggest support. My wife and my mother are a great support. I bounce things off my father as well. He has been very supportive. My friends have shown an interest as well. SA: Is presentation of the MS as important as most agents and publishers suggest? JW: Absolutely. It must be done professionally and must look professional. Shabby presentation or any presentation not done by the guidelines put out will be ignored or worse remembered by the agent or publisher. SA: How long does it normally take you to write a novel? JW: My only published novel took a year to write from pen to paper until I put a period on the last sentence. But that doesn't include the first and second revision. My second is taking me longer however. SA: What are your inspirations?  JW: I have many small inspirations here and there. My family, wife, and kids are an inspiration. Just looking at this beautiful world around me that God made inspires me. People or strangers may inspire me on any given day. I am inspired by other writers and their works. Some writers that have inspired me are Ernest Hemingway, Irwin Shaw, and Stephen King.  SA:   If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it? JW: I don't know if it is one thing or another but I'll have moments where I have total writer's block. There will be no writing during that time. It may last a week, two weeks, or more. SA:   Do you think writing is a natural gift or an acquired skill? JW: I think there are writers that are wonderfully and naturally gifted. I also think that some writers maybe aren't so gifted but they can develop and become really good. Some people discover that they are natural writers and those people, with practice, can become great writers. SA:  What are you writing now? JW: As mentioned above, I am writing my second novel which is actually a follow up, or second in a series to the first. I am using the same premise the first used. It will take place in a different time and place but will still have my main character and friends in it. I will introduce some new characters in this next book. It will follow with a third. SA: Is there any aspect of writing that you really enjoy? JW: I enjoy when I really sit down and the story comes flowing out of me, usually faster than I can type. At those times I don't worry about grammar or sentence structure. I'm just trying to get the story out as fast as I can before that moment is gone.  I worry about fixing the grammar and those things later. To me, that is the best part of writing. SA:   Do you have a website or a blog that readers can visit? JW: I have a blog that I would encourage your readers to visit. I started this blog to give a little background on my book. I show the reader the places in the book with photographs and give the reader a little history of the places as well. The blog link is: http://lafittesblackbox.blogspot.com/ SA: Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment? JW: A small place away from the home. I would like a small office near some shops and cafes. I write better away from home, somewhere quiet. The cafes would be a nice place to go and people watch, relax, gather my thoughts, and go back and write.   SA:  Where do you actually write? JW: Early in the morning Word of the Day is divorced from the post that precedes it and produced in response to a request from a follower to provide just such a service. Word of the Day; lyrical – enthusiastic, effusive language. ‘In order to enliven the talk on accountancy, Gerald expressed his thoughts in lyrical language, but most of the audience fell asleep anyway.’