Michelle Larks, Til Debt Do Us Part
Michelle Larks is an Illinoisan native. She was born and raised in the Windy City , Chicago , and currently resides in a western suburb of Chicago . Michelle was educated in the Chicago public school system and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, Circle Campus.
Michelle has written six books since 2003. The titles include A Myriad of Emotions, Crisis Mode, an e-book, Mirrored Images, Who’s Your Daddy and Keeping Misery Company. Michelle’s second title with Urban Christian Books, The Legacies was released in July of 2008. Her latest release from Urban Books, Til Debt Do Us Part was released on June 30, 2009.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I would like readers to be able to relate to the stories I write. I try to portray every day people in my books fealing with issues that some of us face.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I write spontaneously.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The realness of the stories and people finding someone like themsevles or someone they know in my stories, will keep readers turning the pages.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Readers can learn more about me on my website; http://http://www.michellelarks.com/ and my email address is michelle.larks@comcast.net.
Michelle LarksAuthor of:The LegaciesKeeping Misery CompanyTil Debt Do Us Part, Coming July 2009 www.MichelleLarks.comwww.MySpace.com/michellelarks
Monday, September 28, 2009
Anthony Miner speaks...
Anthony Miner - Writer, Poparazzi, Cultural junkie, Vegetarian
Book – If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate –
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
As an author I always want my readers to walk away with my message. As I wrote each chapter, each sentence and word I consciously thought about what I wanted the reader to think and feel. For example, in my current book If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate, the message I’m conveying is that we all like what we like. Be it the food we eat, the place we vacation to or the relationship choices we make, we all like what we like. And who has the right to say to another person they are making the wrong choice in their personal relationships.
The other message in my book is to see yourself and your life choices for what they actually are. If you are in an unhealthy relationship according to your morals and standards, and not based on the standards of others, then you see your relationship for what it’s worth; and not what you imagine it to be. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I am a big believer in outlines - I always use an outline whenever I write. In fact, I’ll do several rewrites on the outline first. I start with a working outline of all the chapters. Then for each chapter I write a summary, again I’ll do several rewrites, then lastly I get into the meat and potatoes of the story I want to tell in each chapters. Once I feel I have flush out all my thoughts and have a written manuscript – then I start over again and go through each chapter and do more rewrites. After that I hand it over to an editor who corrects misspelled words and grammar… Then finally off to the publisher… Yay.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
One of the many ways I can hook my readers to want to turn the pages is to fill my book with truths and sincerity. I don’t betray my reader s with filler non – sense words and sentences. In other words I respect my readers intelligent, therefore I won’t cheat them. Another way to capture the reader is to lead each chapter with something enticing, by posing questions and/ or scenario that craves them to want to read more.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I welcome any reader to contact me – I can be reached at anthony@ifyoulikechocolate.com – And my book If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate is available at amazon.com - or at any online book retailer.
Web Site – www.ifyoulikechocolateeatchocolate.com
Blog - www.blogcatalog.com/user/Diggidee
Column – Melrose Heights Magazine – Ask The Cultural Junkie
Twitter - http://twitter.com/anthonyminer
Facebook - www.facebook.com/anthony.miner
Book – If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate –
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
As an author I always want my readers to walk away with my message. As I wrote each chapter, each sentence and word I consciously thought about what I wanted the reader to think and feel. For example, in my current book If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate, the message I’m conveying is that we all like what we like. Be it the food we eat, the place we vacation to or the relationship choices we make, we all like what we like. And who has the right to say to another person they are making the wrong choice in their personal relationships.
The other message in my book is to see yourself and your life choices for what they actually are. If you are in an unhealthy relationship according to your morals and standards, and not based on the standards of others, then you see your relationship for what it’s worth; and not what you imagine it to be. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I am a big believer in outlines - I always use an outline whenever I write. In fact, I’ll do several rewrites on the outline first. I start with a working outline of all the chapters. Then for each chapter I write a summary, again I’ll do several rewrites, then lastly I get into the meat and potatoes of the story I want to tell in each chapters. Once I feel I have flush out all my thoughts and have a written manuscript – then I start over again and go through each chapter and do more rewrites. After that I hand it over to an editor who corrects misspelled words and grammar… Then finally off to the publisher… Yay.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
One of the many ways I can hook my readers to want to turn the pages is to fill my book with truths and sincerity. I don’t betray my reader s with filler non – sense words and sentences. In other words I respect my readers intelligent, therefore I won’t cheat them. Another way to capture the reader is to lead each chapter with something enticing, by posing questions and/ or scenario that craves them to want to read more.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I welcome any reader to contact me – I can be reached at anthony@ifyoulikechocolate.com – And my book If You Like Chocolate Eat Chocolate is available at amazon.com - or at any online book retailer.
Web Site – www.ifyoulikechocolateeatchocolate.com
Blog - www.blogcatalog.com/user/Diggidee
Column – Melrose Heights Magazine – Ask The Cultural Junkie
Twitter - http://twitter.com/anthonyminer
Facebook - www.facebook.com/anthony.miner
This is K.Lynn Brown...
K. Lynn Brown-
The name of her book is Control Issues.She resides in Farmington Hills, MI with her husband and two daughters.
What I want readers to take away from my book:I want my readers to realize that greed and the quest for money and success can often put a person in the position of losing those precious things in life that money can't buy. Things like love, trust, and respect.And that a person should never sacrifice their beliefs, morals, or integrity for money.
How I feel about outlines:I believe that the only purpose that an outline serves in creative writing is to create serious writers block. Writing comes from your heart and your soul and as such should run freely from your thoughts to paper. Taking time to organize in an outline stunts and hinders creative thought. I write freely without concern for punctuation and spelling. That comes later in the editing process. However it's important to edit very carefully. The worst thing in the world is a poorly edited book loaded with typing errors and misspellings.
Why I feel my book is a page turner:I feel that my book grabs readers quickly and holds it because it is not the typical romance novel. It is also very suspenseful and at times funny. It is also the type of book that all genders can read. I think a lot of readers see either themselves or someone they know in my book which makes it even more interesting.
More about K. Lynn Brown:Those interested in learning more about me can visit my site at www.klynnbrownpublishing.com and myspace.com/klynnbrown
The name of her book is Control Issues.She resides in Farmington Hills, MI with her husband and two daughters.
What I want readers to take away from my book:I want my readers to realize that greed and the quest for money and success can often put a person in the position of losing those precious things in life that money can't buy. Things like love, trust, and respect.And that a person should never sacrifice their beliefs, morals, or integrity for money.
How I feel about outlines:I believe that the only purpose that an outline serves in creative writing is to create serious writers block. Writing comes from your heart and your soul and as such should run freely from your thoughts to paper. Taking time to organize in an outline stunts and hinders creative thought. I write freely without concern for punctuation and spelling. That comes later in the editing process. However it's important to edit very carefully. The worst thing in the world is a poorly edited book loaded with typing errors and misspellings.
Why I feel my book is a page turner:I feel that my book grabs readers quickly and holds it because it is not the typical romance novel. It is also very suspenseful and at times funny. It is also the type of book that all genders can read. I think a lot of readers see either themselves or someone they know in my book which makes it even more interesting.
More about K. Lynn Brown:Those interested in learning more about me can visit my site at www.klynnbrownpublishing.com and myspace.com/klynnbrown
Tim Steely...a great author
Timothy Stelly, author of Human Trial, a sci-fi noir story; the first part of a trilogy. I am a poet, novelist, screenwriter and essayist from northern California. I consider Human Trial is my first novel. I have written more than 350 essays for Useless-knowledge.com and e-zinearticles.com—from social and political issues to film noir history. I have contributed several poetic pieces to Oysters & Chocolate and is currently working on rewrites of his first two novels, Tempest In The Stone and The Malice Of Cain, which were “published” by Publishamerica.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
The main questions posed by HUMAN TRIAL is whether or not man has the capacity to put aside individualism and do what is best for the entirety of mankind? Could we, if faced with annihilation, put aside our fears and prejudices and fight for our survival?
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I’ll have a general outline, and I find that I stray from it in the middle of the book, but by the conclusion I am back to using the outline. During the rewrite, I find that my stories usually expand by about 15%.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The believability of the characters and the issues the book raises. I wrote it as a provocative piece, that asks, in short What would YOU do? There is also a mix of drama, romance and the study of group dynamics. Most people who’ve read the book wrote that they felt as if they were right there with the human survivors.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I can be reached by e-mail at stellbread317@gmail.com. My articles also appear at useless-kn owledge.com, about once per month. I have a website currently in the works.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
The main questions posed by HUMAN TRIAL is whether or not man has the capacity to put aside individualism and do what is best for the entirety of mankind? Could we, if faced with annihilation, put aside our fears and prejudices and fight for our survival?
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
I’ll have a general outline, and I find that I stray from it in the middle of the book, but by the conclusion I am back to using the outline. During the rewrite, I find that my stories usually expand by about 15%.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The believability of the characters and the issues the book raises. I wrote it as a provocative piece, that asks, in short What would YOU do? There is also a mix of drama, romance and the study of group dynamics. Most people who’ve read the book wrote that they felt as if they were right there with the human survivors.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I can be reached by e-mail at stellbread317@gmail.com. My articles also appear at useless-kn owledge.com, about once per month. I have a website currently in the works.
Meet Gail McFarland
Author: Gail McFarland
DREAM RUNNER, Genesis Press, May 2008
DREAM KEEPER, Genesis Press, December 2008
Gail McFarland is the published author of more than 100 short stories, including IF EVER for Lady Leo Press. Later in 2009, she will also be a contributing a novella, THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, to the Lady Leo Press anthology, CAN A SISTAH GET SOME LOVE?
Her novel-length work includes: SUMMERWIND (BET/Arabesque), THE BEST FOR LAST (Arabesque), WHEN LOVE CALLS (BET/Arabesque), BOUQUET (with Roberta Gayle and Anna Laurence, BET/Arabesque), LADY KILLER (LULU Books), ALL FOR LOVE (LULU Books), DREAM RUNNER (Genesis Press), and the upcoming sequel, DREAM KEEPER (Genesis Press).
A dedicated wellness/fitness advocate, Ms. McFarland is an active fitness instructor and consultant. Her community activities include working as a Health Promotion Specialist for the Association of Black Cardiologist’s Atlanta-based REACH program.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she attended Glenville High School and Cleveland State University. She now makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I write romance for a reason -- I want people to know that love and passion are an integral part of the African-American experience and well worth sharing. I want readers to leave my work having appreciated and enjoyed a darn good story.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
A little of both, actually. Because I write in a straight line (chapter one, chapter two, then chapter three, etc.) I generally begin with a basic outline. After I know how the chapters will flow and how my story begins and ends, I begin to fill in the blanks. This usually gets me to thinking, and I begin to spontaneouly add dialogue and action. By the time I finish, the outline can be over a hundred pages, but it makes the writing flow for me.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
Good question. With DREAM RUNNER, it is the challenge of following a dream, but with DREAM KEEPER, it is the challenge of risking all to keep a dream alive. I have to say that even if I had not written both of these books, I would still love them. They feature characters that will resonate with readers, and capture their imaginations and their hearts -- I did tell you that I write romance, right? Well, these stories will take you THERE.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Personal contact information:
Gail McFarland
P.O. Box 56782
Atlanta, GA 30343
Email: the_fitwryter@yahoo.com
Websites: Author site http://fitwryter.tripod.com
Book site http://fitwryter.tripod.com/books
DREAM RUNNER, Genesis Press, May 2008
DREAM KEEPER, Genesis Press, December 2008
Gail McFarland is the published author of more than 100 short stories, including IF EVER for Lady Leo Press. Later in 2009, she will also be a contributing a novella, THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, to the Lady Leo Press anthology, CAN A SISTAH GET SOME LOVE?
Her novel-length work includes: SUMMERWIND (BET/Arabesque), THE BEST FOR LAST (Arabesque), WHEN LOVE CALLS (BET/Arabesque), BOUQUET (with Roberta Gayle and Anna Laurence, BET/Arabesque), LADY KILLER (LULU Books), ALL FOR LOVE (LULU Books), DREAM RUNNER (Genesis Press), and the upcoming sequel, DREAM KEEPER (Genesis Press).
A dedicated wellness/fitness advocate, Ms. McFarland is an active fitness instructor and consultant. Her community activities include working as a Health Promotion Specialist for the Association of Black Cardiologist’s Atlanta-based REACH program.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she attended Glenville High School and Cleveland State University. She now makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia.
What do you want readers to take away from your book?
I write romance for a reason -- I want people to know that love and passion are an integral part of the African-American experience and well worth sharing. I want readers to leave my work having appreciated and enjoyed a darn good story.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
A little of both, actually. Because I write in a straight line (chapter one, chapter two, then chapter three, etc.) I generally begin with a basic outline. After I know how the chapters will flow and how my story begins and ends, I begin to fill in the blanks. This usually gets me to thinking, and I begin to spontaneouly add dialogue and action. By the time I finish, the outline can be over a hundred pages, but it makes the writing flow for me.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
Good question. With DREAM RUNNER, it is the challenge of following a dream, but with DREAM KEEPER, it is the challenge of risking all to keep a dream alive. I have to say that even if I had not written both of these books, I would still love them. They feature characters that will resonate with readers, and capture their imaginations and their hearts -- I did tell you that I write romance, right? Well, these stories will take you THERE.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
Personal contact information:
Gail McFarland
P.O. Box 56782
Atlanta, GA 30343
Email: the_fitwryter@yahoo.com
Websites: Author site http://fitwryter.tripod.com
Book site http://fitwryter.tripod.com/books
Mark Turnbull, author of Decision Most Deadly
Bio:I am 29 years old and live in Durham, England. I have one daughter, aged five. Since childhood, I have had a complete fascination with the 17th century and King Charles I. I enjoy writing, painting and family history research. I had been working on my first novel, Decision Most Deadly, intermittently for nearly ten years before I chose to self-publish it.
*What to take away from my book ?*
Enjoyment of the plotA sense that they could enter the 17th century and appreciate the periodMore awareness of just how this momentous civil war came about (which most books do not focus on, but simply deal with the more popular and eventful war itself)
*outlines or spontaneous ?*
I believe in both - I am spontaneous when it comes to writing initially, getting the scene and events written, but then I always have a set 'map' so I know where the bigger picture is going and my spontaneity is able to be channeled in the right direction.
*What keeps readers turning the pages ?*
I think it is the characters and their lives - the ability to relate to them, and see them realistically, instead of some glorious fakes that fit into a hero and villain slot. Also the ability to get close to the era and appreciate it in the full sense, with a plot that goes to the heart of government, taking you to some of the most crucial points in history. Having actual historical characters in the book also adds an interesting slant. The main fictional character is at the forefront of events and there is humour as well as tense moments and dramatic scenes.Again, the fact that most writing deals with the war itself, means that the book can offer a glimpse into what happened to start the civil war and what was it like as the country lurched closer to the precipice.
*contact*
Readers can view the website www.decisionmostdeadly.com and contact me there, or by email author@decisionmostdeadly.com
Bio:I am 29 years old and live in Durham, England. I have one daughter, aged five. Since childhood, I have had a complete fascination with the 17th century and King Charles I. I enjoy writing, painting and family history research. I had been working on my first novel, Decision Most Deadly, intermittently for nearly ten years before I chose to self-publish it.
*What to take away from my book ?*
Enjoyment of the plotA sense that they could enter the 17th century and appreciate the periodMore awareness of just how this momentous civil war came about (which most books do not focus on, but simply deal with the more popular and eventful war itself)
*outlines or spontaneous ?*
I believe in both - I am spontaneous when it comes to writing initially, getting the scene and events written, but then I always have a set 'map' so I know where the bigger picture is going and my spontaneity is able to be channeled in the right direction.
*What keeps readers turning the pages ?*
I think it is the characters and their lives - the ability to relate to them, and see them realistically, instead of some glorious fakes that fit into a hero and villain slot. Also the ability to get close to the era and appreciate it in the full sense, with a plot that goes to the heart of government, taking you to some of the most crucial points in history. Having actual historical characters in the book also adds an interesting slant. The main fictional character is at the forefront of events and there is humour as well as tense moments and dramatic scenes.Again, the fact that most writing deals with the war itself, means that the book can offer a glimpse into what happened to start the civil war and what was it like as the country lurched closer to the precipice.
*contact*
Readers can view the website www.decisionmostdeadly.com and contact me there, or by email author@decisionmostdeadly.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
You should know..Marta Stephens
Marta Stephens author of the Sam Harper Crime Mystery series:
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT (2008), Bronze Medal Finalist, 2009 Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY), Top Ten, 2008 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery).
SILENCED CRY (2007) Honorable Mention, 2008 New York Book Festival, Top Ten, 2007 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
Marta Stephens, a crime/mystery writer, resides in Indiana with her husband and two children. Stephens is currently working on the third book in the Sam Harper series as well as a new novel featuring the character of Rhonie Lude, PI. Stephens also administers the collective authors’ blog, Murder by 4, selected by Writer’s Digest among the 2009 101 Best Websites for Authors.
Stephens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Ball State University (IN) and is a member of Sisters in Crime International, Sisters in Crime Speed City Indiana Chapter, and the Midwest Writer's Workshop.
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
Writing is my passion and when I read, I want to be entertained—taken to another place and time along with the characters. My hope is that readers will experience this when they read my novels—that they’ll be drawn into the situations my character, homicide detective Sam Harper, encounters and will have a sense of reality within a work of fiction. I truly hope they’ll enjoy my books as much as I love writing them.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
My plots are complex, often involving multiple characters and the need to weave 3-4 subplots together. The only way to ensure I’ve tied the clues and subplots together is to have a road map. Rather than an outline though, I prefer to write a synopsis. Initially I include everything I think will happen in the story adding as much detail as I possibly can. However, writing the synopsis is an entirely flexible process because I often discover the most interesting twist mid way through the manuscript that I hadn’t thought of ahead of time. As the story evolves, I update the synopsis. When I’m done with the novel, I’m also done with the synopsis.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The character of Sam Harper has a wonderful following among readers. One reviewer from Midwest Book Reviews described Harper as: “… a well-realized, no-nonsense cop, a streetwise guy who refuses to give up despite the odds. When the going gets rough, everyone else has given up, an easy option looms, and the race becomes overwhelming, Harper is just getting started. He is the original it ain't over guy.” But as tough as Harper is on the criminal(s), readers appreciate his compassion and soft side for his friends/co-workers and even the victims. Several have expressed their love of his relationship with his father who is a retired city detective. Harper often seeks his father’s advice. Readers have described my novels as fast-paced page turners. I think the reason for it is plotting, the obstacles Harper finds himself in, and the several cliffhangers that are written into the chapters. That’s what will keep them glued to their comfy chair turning those pages.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I look forward to hearing from readers or those interested in leaning more about me and my novels. I’m available via my website and blogs.
www.martastephens-author.com http://samharpercrimescene.blogspot.com – character blog: http://murderby4.blogspot.com – collective authors’ blog
THE DEVIL CAN WAIT (2008), Bronze Medal Finalist, 2009 Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY), Top Ten, 2008 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery).
SILENCED CRY (2007) Honorable Mention, 2008 New York Book Festival, Top Ten, 2007 Preditors and Editors Reader Poll (mystery)
Marta Stephens, a crime/mystery writer, resides in Indiana with her husband and two children. Stephens is currently working on the third book in the Sam Harper series as well as a new novel featuring the character of Rhonie Lude, PI. Stephens also administers the collective authors’ blog, Murder by 4, selected by Writer’s Digest among the 2009 101 Best Websites for Authors.
Stephens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Ball State University (IN) and is a member of Sisters in Crime International, Sisters in Crime Speed City Indiana Chapter, and the Midwest Writer's Workshop.
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
Writing is my passion and when I read, I want to be entertained—taken to another place and time along with the characters. My hope is that readers will experience this when they read my novels—that they’ll be drawn into the situations my character, homicide detective Sam Harper, encounters and will have a sense of reality within a work of fiction. I truly hope they’ll enjoy my books as much as I love writing them.
Are you a believer in outlines, or do you write spontaneously?
My plots are complex, often involving multiple characters and the need to weave 3-4 subplots together. The only way to ensure I’ve tied the clues and subplots together is to have a road map. Rather than an outline though, I prefer to write a synopsis. Initially I include everything I think will happen in the story adding as much detail as I possibly can. However, writing the synopsis is an entirely flexible process because I often discover the most interesting twist mid way through the manuscript that I hadn’t thought of ahead of time. As the story evolves, I update the synopsis. When I’m done with the novel, I’m also done with the synopsis.
What do you think it is about your book that will keep readers turning the pages?
The character of Sam Harper has a wonderful following among readers. One reviewer from Midwest Book Reviews described Harper as: “… a well-realized, no-nonsense cop, a streetwise guy who refuses to give up despite the odds. When the going gets rough, everyone else has given up, an easy option looms, and the race becomes overwhelming, Harper is just getting started. He is the original it ain't over guy.” But as tough as Harper is on the criminal(s), readers appreciate his compassion and soft side for his friends/co-workers and even the victims. Several have expressed their love of his relationship with his father who is a retired city detective. Harper often seeks his father’s advice. Readers have described my novels as fast-paced page turners. I think the reason for it is plotting, the obstacles Harper finds himself in, and the several cliffhangers that are written into the chapters. That’s what will keep them glued to their comfy chair turning those pages.
How can readers learn more and get in contact with you?
I look forward to hearing from readers or those interested in leaning more about me and my novels. I’m available via my website and blogs.
www.martastephens-author.com http://samharpercrimescene.blogspot.com – character blog: http://murderby4.blogspot.com – collective authors’ blog
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