Guest Author Interviews

Laurel A. Rockefeller

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	Laurel A. Rockefeller. I was born/raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and currently live in western Pennsylvania.
What led to your decision to become an author?:	I am a singer/songwriter originally. I grew up in a very violent home and used to make up songs to help me deal with all that. My first publications were all poetry/music, including “Why Bilbo?” which came out in January 1991 in the “Minas Tirith Evening Star,” the journal of the American Tolkien Society. From there, I wrote non-fiction research papers for various publications of the Society for Creative Anachronism, including on the life of Empress Wu Zetian. Writing novels I think just evolved out of that — but you can clearly see my non-fiction and music background in my books. I might be the only novelist who puts bibliographies into my books!
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	I currently have two projects in the works right — one for each of my book series. For the Legendary Women of World History biographical novella series, I am following up on the success of “Boudicca: Britain’s Queen of the Iceni” with “Catherine de Valois” (subtitle to be determined). Shakespeare turned Catherine into this mindless boy toy in Henry V — the complete opposite of what we know about her. So I am tackling the complexities of 15th century England and France to tell her story. Meanwhile, I am working on completing “Princess Anyu Returns,” the third and final installment of the Anlei’s Legacy Trilogy in the Peers of Beinan Series. This trilogy is a sort of “Game of Thrones” in another galaxy. Book two “Ghosts of the Past” ends on a cliffhanger where you really do not know who has survived the coup d’Etat. Returns answers all those questions, focusing first on Princess Anyu’s exile on the hostile alien planet of D425E25 Tertius and then on her return to Beinan and struggle to free her people from the clutches of Lord Yelu.
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	Science fiction and historical fiction both require a writer to be very data-grounded and possess strong research skills in order to tell the stories in a believable fashion. My work is believable and does not require much if any suspension of disbelief because my world building and world re-construction is so saturated with fact. When I do not know something about a particular detail, I immediately go to professionals in whatever field is involved with that detail or scene. For example, when Lord Engineer Kian is assassinated on the floor of the Great Hall of the Assembly in “The Ghosts of the Past,” the exact place the crossbow quarrel hits was determined by talking to an ER doctor who deals with gunshot wounds. He showed me the difference between a hit directly to the heart verses grazing the heart verses hitting the lung. Those all make a difference when writing a death scene. So I would say my research skills, my curiosity, and my willingness to ask a lot of people a lot of questions are at the heart of why my books are so enjoyable to read. The other great strength I feel is my music. Not only do most of my works include songs written for them (“Here Lays My Father and my Lord” from Ghosts of the Past is one song I am especially proud of), but all works really sound quite lyrical. Since I am low vision, I read my books aloud as I write. If a sentence does not sound beautiful to my trained musical ears, I will re-write until it sounds perfect. Something I am working on improving is my readability at lower reading levels. Precisely because I am very scientific and have a large vocabulary carefully cultivated across my education, I tend to write with a lot of big words and technical terminology. Now that I am unexpectedly writing for a broader audience (children, teens, and adults) I find that I really need to expand my writing style to be more inclusive on my word choices and less technical. Okay, sure, I love the word “vexed” as a Jane Austen fan, but a ten year old probably has never heard that word. I do not want to vex my readers into reading something else!
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	I am self-published. Probably for two reasons. One is that traditional publishing does not generally take many risks with new, unknown writers and I did not want to fight that system. A second is that I make more money per copy self-published than I do going with the traditional route.
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	The print editions of my books include at least one of the following: paperback, large print paperback, and QR Interactive paperback. When I first QR indexed in the summer of 2013, I already had paperback and large print editions for my first two Peers of Beinan series books, “The Great Succession Crisis” and “The Ghosts of the Past,” so I simply added the QR indexed editions to those. For more information about what QR indexing is, please watch my tutorial/webinar at http://youtu.be/GR3RPTtREs0 Since that time, I QR index by default, building upon the over 800 hours spent in 2013 on my database. That said, Princess Anyu Returns will probably publish in both regular and QR interactive editions. All my digital editions (available in the kindle store) include the same indexing, using hypertext links instead of QR codes to connect readers to that enhanced content. This summer I will release “The Poisoned Ground” environmental detective novella as an audio book. Look for “The Great Succession Crisis” to come out in audio in the spring of 2015. My preferred formats personally are the interactive editions — kindle or QR paperback — and the audio editions. I am thrilled with the narrator I chose for the Peers of Beinan Series audio books, Rebecca Thomas, because she is very thorough, like me, in her research. I draw upon a dozen languages for names in the Peers of Beinan Series and Rebecca has been wonderful about learning how to say all those names correctly — her singing is also pretty good too which you will hear in the audio editions. It is no surprise she is highly sought after as a narrator.
How do you go about marketing your books?:	I use twitter a lot. Though I post on various book groups on facebook, I like twitter. My tweets are a mix of links to my non-fiction articles with Yahoo Voices, to blog posts, to my youtube trailers and tutorials, and finally to my books themselves. I also retweet most of the posts from those who I follow, and usually follow back those who follow me (@laurelworlds), so it would be fair to say I work co-operatively with other writers and bloggers. You are the key to my success; this is not about me. Finally, I “market” by being a positive person. This may seem illogical given the challenges of my youth especially, but it really does work. When you believe in yourself, when you believe in other people, and you believe that today is the best day of your life — it not only shows, but it is contagious. Good things happen to positive people. I absolutely refuse to be negative again. As JMS of Babylon 5 says, there is no such thing as failure — only opportunities to make something great.
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	I have a one star review on the QR edition of “Ghosts of the Past” where it was really obvious the man never read any of the books and where he was just trashing me to do it. Two sentences claiming the very complicated murder-mystery was written on the 5th grade level — among other gripes. Initially the review bugged me a bit because it so obviously not the case — I have to carefully edit my LWWH series books in order to put them to the 4th or 5th grade level so that my younger audiences can enjoy them and be inspired by these stories of amazing women in history. Writing to a grammar school level is not second nature to me at all. What I learned from this one star review is first to not let these things bother me and second to trust readers to recognize a troll when they see one.
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	I love history. I love reading non-fiction history and writing historical fiction. I also love non-fiction science (Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is amazing) and reading science-grounded science fiction novellas and short story anthologies. Growing up the Star Trek anthologies were my absolute favorite, especially the stories written by “Journey to Babel” author Dorothy “D.C.” Fontana.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	J.R.R. Tolkien, Babylon 5’s JMS, Star Trek’s Dorothy Fontana, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and sometimes Geoffrey Chaucer.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	I love my cockatiels Mithril and Gandalf. They are my world! When I am not a perch or cuddling birds, I enjoy English country dancing — something you see in my Peers of Beinan series books as part of the Jane Austen effect. I am also learning to ice skate. Since I have 20/80 vision, I need help navigating the rink and especially in navigating safely when other skaters are on the ice, but I believe that with the right kind of help, I can make that dream come true.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	Since my old computer died and I am on Windows 8 now, I use MS Word 2010, an upgrade from the Word 2007 I used on my old machine.
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	Word is the industry standard; I’ve used a version of Word for many years.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	There are no shortcuts; practice really does make perfect. Do not be afraid of the red editor’s pen. Make it great and nothing less than your absolute best work. Steve Jobs never settled for second best and nor should you.
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/LARAmazon. GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569976.Laurel_A_Rockefeller Yahoo Voices: http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/564524/laurel_a_rockefeller.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelarockefeller National Association of Professional Women: http://www.napw.com/profile/11482012/Laurel-Rockefeller Facebook (Peers of Beinan Series): https://www.facebook.com/PeersOfBeinan Facebook (Legendary Women of World History Series): https://www.facebook.com/legendarywomenofworldhistory Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/peersofbeinan Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurelworlds And last but not least, Peers of Beinan: http://www.peersofbeinan.com and Legendary Women: http://www.legendarywomenbooks.com where you will learn not only more about me and my books, but you will enjoy discovering the work of other science fiction, fantasy, romance, non-fiction, and historical fiction authors in the new “indie author showcase” which is currently open for new submissions.

By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

A.L. Butcher

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	Hi I am A.L. Butcher and I live in the South West United Kingdom.
What led to your decision to become an author?:	It wasn’t really a decision as such, I have been writing something or other for many years. Self-Published on the other hand would have been 2 years ago this June. I had a story based on something I had written for something else and I was encouraged to expand and publish it.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	Currently I am working on the third part of my dark adult fantasy series. The stories are set in the fictional world of Erana, which is dark world where magic is illegal and many people live as slaves. This particular book follows some of the characters introduced in BOOK II as they embark on an adventure to prove one of their number fit to lead her people, and solve a mystery.
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	Oh hmm, I am creative and daring. My books are cross genre, including having sexual relationships between the characters. I try and turn tropes on their head and use them in a new way. What can I improve on? I think many writers mature in the craft as they write and there is always something to learn. My typing has improved. My grammar has (hopefully) improved and I am more confident.
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	Self-Published. I like the freedom it gives, as I am in control of how much I charge, time scales and where I want the book to go. I think many self-published authors risk more than they would with a traditional publisher who might prefer a safer, more guaranteed story.
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	The two novels are both e-books, and in print and one (the first) is also available in large print. I am also planning to release them as audio books. The short story collection is just an e-book but will also be an audio book soon.
How do you go about marketing your books?:	Marketing is one of the hardest parts for me. I hate pushy salespeople and that is a great way to stop me buying a product. However if I want to sell books I need to let people know the book is out there and what it is about. I use Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, interviews and a blog, mostly. Each has its merits and drawbacks. I do think networking is important and engaging with potential readers. Talk about more than the book, help other authors, and treat people how you want to be treated. If all you harp on about is BUY MY BOOK then people will stop listening pretty fast. Blogging is useful, it is a way for others to get to know you and to practice writing and of course you can cover a wide variety of topics.
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	I think most authors get an unfavourable review at some point. I was upset at the first one, but then I thought not everyone will enjoy a book, see what the author intends or like what some others like. It would be a very dull world if we all shared exactly the same interests and opinions. That is the key word here – opinion. Check any book on Amazon and I’d bet there will be someone who thought the book was wonderful and someone else who hated it. Reviews are opinions, and people review for all sorts of reasons and in all sorts of ways. If the reviews focus on technical issues like typos then these can be fixed. If someone simply thought there was too much sex/violence/religion/background or not enough then there is probably not that much to be done. Don’t respond to reviews ESPECIALLY negative ones, even if you really want to. It just isn’t worth it and a lot of readers get upset by things like that. Would you like an author telling you were wrong or perhaps being a bit rude because you didn’t like their book? Just move on.
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	I read a lot mostly classics, fantasy, history or historical fiction, but I dip into sci-fi, paranormal and science. I much prefer writing fantasy but I do sometimes write poetry and short stories.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	Oh gosh, very many. Gaston Leroux, Alexandre Dumas, Jules Verne, HG Wells, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Terry Pratchett, David Attenborough, Richard Adams, Douglas Adams, Frank Herbert, Homer, Suetonius, Tactitus, Janet Morris, J.R.R. Tolkien, Agatha Christie, William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Willard Price, Rev. W Awdry…
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	I like animals, science, history, astronomy and photography (which I’m not very good at).
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	Word. Not really although I have contemplated Scrivener. I am too lazy to have to transfer all my notes.
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	I am lazy, I know how to use MSword. It serves my purpose.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	Be patient, be realistic, read the FAQ and TOS and keep writing.
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	Blog: http://libraryoferana.wordpress.com Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6430414.A_L_Butcher Twitter: @libraryoferana Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkFantasyBeyondTheStorm Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexandra-Butcher/e/B008BQFCC6

By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

Barbara G. Tarn

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	Hello, my name is Barbara G. Tarn and I’m a write-aholic… I publish under 3 pseudonyms. I have an Italian passport but feel international.
What led to your decision to become an author?:	No choice. I write, therefore I am. I’ve been writing stories since my long forgotten teens, so there’s no stopping now. I’m glad for the indie publishing revolution that allows me to put my stories out there at last.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	In May I’m back to writing as B.G. Hope – the third body switch by Samantha the Witch. Let’s call it urban fantasy, since it supposedly happens on Earth. The first, Johnny&Marian, published in 2012 is my bestseller, but I enjoyed writing the second, Ciaran&Harith (published in 2013), more – it was funnier, IMHO. Now I look forward to the third. I’ve been publishing e-books since 2011 and I’m very prolific. I have put out 75 titles at the last count (that’s the number that shows up on my Kindle, LOL).
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	Good ear for dialog and snappy, journalistic prose – I hate purple prose. I’m so plot and character-oriented that I always forget to use the 5 senses in my writing…
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	I’m a control freak. And I’m scared of contracts and legalese, so I’d rather do it all by myself. Being also an artist, I do most of my covers myself, or hire artists that I like or admire…
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	Ebook (all formats) – I upload to Smashwords, Amazon KDP, Kobo and get to B&N and Apple through a distributor. Some titles are also on DriveThru or XinXii. The POD versions are available only for longer titles (novels or anthologies). I own a Kindle Keyboard, but if I can, I buy from Smashwords (in case the Kindle break, I can always download another format, including PDF) or get the classics from Project Guttenberg. Unfortunately some authors go KDP Select…
How do you go about marketing your books?:	I write the next one. I announce the new release on my blog and Facebook page and move on. In the past year I’ve also started submitting short stories to the traditional SFF markets – only rejections so far, but if I get published on one of those mags, the halo effects on my indie titles will hopefully expand…
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	I don’t read the reviews. And even if I do, you’ll never know I did! 😉
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	SFF (my main pen name, Barbara G.Tarn, writes just that). I read everything, but I don’t like horror, erotica or literary fiction – i.e. as long as there’s a story unfolding, I’ll check it.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	Last century, Brunella Gasperini. Her stories made me start writing. I haven’t read much for years, I’m starting now that I need to improve my writing skills in a second language! 🙂
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	Drawing while listening to music (I have also an ongoing, almost done, graphic novel) and watching movies on DVD. And reading.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	Open Office free software. I write the first draft longhand, but I’m a typist (some of my older stories were written with a MANUAL typewriter, but I learned to type on electric typewriters), so as soon as I could I got me a PC with Word 2.0 – showing my age much?
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	I don’t believe in software writing the stories for you. I only need something to type my stories and save them as Word.doc to be formatted for e-publication or submitted…
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	Just keep writing. Or in the words of Jason Nesmith: Never give up. Never surrender. (Galaxy Quest, 1999)
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barb-aka-Barbara-GTarn/175559797281 http://creativebarbwire.wordpress.com

By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

Stan Morris

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	I’m Stan Morris and I live on a farm on the island of Maui.
What led to your decision to become an author?:	While I have enjoyed writing as long as I can remember, I decided to become an author in 2008. I wrote Surviving the Fog and sent the manuscript to the Library of Congress so it would be copyrighted. I planned to send the manuscript to Baen Books and to Tor Books, but I got impatient and published it to the net, instead. Later, I discovered Manybooks, Feedbooks, and Smashwords. This was before Amazon created Kindle Digital Publishing.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	I am working on several projects, but I have not settled on one. My books include Surviving the Fog, Surviving the Fog-Kathy’s Recollections, Sarah’s Spaceship Adventure, The Colors of Passion and Love, Sam’s Winnings, Kate’s Movie Star, Amy’s Hero, and What’s In My Shorts. I have a short story in the Wyrd Worlds I anthology.
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	I am a good story teller. I’m working to improve the way I include information in my books about what the characters are sensing, for example the smells around them.
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	I am self published, because it was quicker and easier. I have been a tech person for a long time.
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	My books are available at Smashwords.com, so they are available in almost every format ever developed. I really don’t have a preference, but I don’t like to read in PDF format.
How do you go about marketing your books?:	I have purchased ads through Google and through some book websites, but engaging on social media sites like Goodreads is one of the best methods of marketing.
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	Yes, some reviewers have said some harsh things. If they are related to the mechanics of the book, I use those criticisms to improve the book. If the comment is personal, I ignore it.
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	I like to write science fiction stories, but I have written a fantasy with light magic.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	Some of those are Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Pamela Morisi, Jayne Ann Krentz, Mary Stewart, Lindsey Davis, and Spider Robinson.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	I like to garden, listen to music, and watch sports. Lot of sports.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	I’m using Microsoft Word 10. I’ve checked into others, but I always come back to Word. It’s easier for me.
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	Both Smashwords and Kindle Digital Publishing use Word. That makes the conversions easy.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	Always have more than one writing project in progress, so if you don’t feel like working on one, you can switch to another.
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	My author pages: http://www.amazon.com/Stan-Morris/e/B004KB2HG0 https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/morriss003 Also, for a look at some of my short stories and stuff I’m working on: http://www.writerscafe.org/morriss003

By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

Christina McMullen

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	My name is Christina McMullen and I am a Yankee transplant in Texas.
What led to your decision to become an author?:	The realization that I would never be a rock star. Well, that and a hyperactive imagination. I always liked writing for the same reason some people don’t: it’s a solitary activity. In a way. I do have people I can bounce ideas off of, but giving form to the ideas falls on my shoulders and I have to admit, I like that kind of power.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	My current project is a young adult sci-fi about a girl who finds her daydreams have suddenly come true. As you might have guessed, this turns out to be not as fantastic as she had imagined. Previously, I wrote a sci-fi/urban fantasy series called The Eyes of The Sun. It’s a non-traditional take on the idea that New Orleans is populated by vampires.
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	I’ve been told that my writing has a good flow and the action scenes are gripping. I struggle a bit with emotional scenes and I have a tendency to overuse words. The thesaurus is my best friend.
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	I am impatient. I went straight to self-publishing and plan to continue this path unless I am ‘discovered’ by a big name publishing house who wants to throw money at me. I am not averse to this, but I don’t have plans to send out manuscripts any time soon.
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	Currently, I only offer e-books through Amazon. I’ve tossed around the idea of traditional books, but it takes a lot of time. Also, to make any money at all, I would have to price my books around $12 whereas my e-books are all under $4. Perhaps if I wrote something more literary, I would consider it, but my books are genre escapism. I reach a lot more of my target audience through e-books.
How do you go about marketing your books?:	Terribly. I’m a bad salesperson, which is half the reason I’m a writer and not a sales rep. I do take advantage of the promotions that Amazon offers including both free and discounted books. I offer the first book and the prequel to my series for free on the first Sunday of every month. Aside from that, I dabble in social media, but I have to admit, I find a lot of it confusing and hard to navigate. This is somewhat embarrassing to admit, given that I am not that old yet!
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	I have been lucky in that regard. I have had people point out mistakes, which is understandable. I did get one three star review that said I got too bogged down in world building and explanations. I felt it was fair because it was an opinion and I know I am not going to appeal to everyone. What I find frustrating, however, is the poor star rating with no explanation that can happen on Goodreads. Why only two stars, anonymous reader? Why?
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	I write what I read, which is sci-fi, urban and contemporary fantasy, young/new adult of the same genres, and some horror. Clearly, I’m a bit of a geek, but I love that this is becoming widely accepted because there are a lot more options out there.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	Octavia Butler is my biggest inspiration, but the list is huge. In one respect, it was indie authors that really changed the game for me. When I saw that there were so many talented writers out there who were making it on their own, I decided to give it a go. It was the best decision ever.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	I read a lot. Whether it’s books or articles on the internet, my down time is spent reading. I also love cooking, which I consider another form of creative expression. I’m a fan of the arts and have dabbled with painting, drawing, and sculpture, but there’s a reason I write books instead of selling art on etsy.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	I use Word. My covers are made using Inkscape and Gimp, which are a free drawing and photo manipulation program respectively.
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	Since I only publish through Amazon at the moment, I don’t require any type of special software.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	Write because you want to. Write what you want to read. Don’t feel as if you are restricted by the narrow scope of a particular genre or category. And most of all, don’t get discouraged when the pieces don’t fit together the first time. Everyone struggles at some point.
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	My Facebook page is http://facebook.com/mcmullenwrites I also have a blog called Vampires and Robots, which I happen to think is highly underrated: http://mcmullenwrites.blogspot.com And of course, my books are available through Amazon.

By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

Douglas Schwartz

Author Interview Form
Tell us your name and where you’re from.:	I’m Douglas Schwartz, and I live in Austin, TX (Howdy!).
What led to your decision to become an author?:	I have been artistic as long as I can remember. Writing is another form of artwork. Sometime in middle school, I knew I wanted to write a book. A few decades later, I did it.
Tell us about what you’re currently working on, and what you’ve written in the past.:	My first publication, “Checkered Scissors”, is a novel about four people, stuck in different worlds wanting to find the Checkered Scissors in order to make their way home. I am currently working on a collection of short stories, some which were written while I developed my writing voice and other, fresh stories. Each story has my absurd, quirky fiction. Next, I plan on writing the sequel to Checkered Scissors.
What are some of your strongest points as a writer, and what if anything are you constantly working to improve upon?:	Dialog and abstract situations are two of my strongest points. I strive to make improvements to characterization. I’d love to write characters as well as JK Rowling, Stephen King, or Terry Pratchett.
Are you self published, traditionally published or both? Why did you choose to go that route?:	I am self-published. Before releasing Checkered Scissors, I investigated and weighed both options. Both paths seemed difficult, required hard work, and patience. I think the main reason I chose self publishing is more control.
What format are your books available in? Which of these formats do you prefer and why?:	Checkered Scissors is available in various digital formats and print-on-demand. I would like to work on the audio version someday. I consume stories in all formats, which is why I like that there is a variety of media formats, to appease any reader.
How do you go about marketing your books?:	This answer is tricky, because I have tried a variety of marketing methods. Most of my efforts have been very grassroots efforts. Word of mouth has produced a few sales. I’ve made bookmarks to hand out and post on community bulletin boards. I’ve donated books to libraries and book groups. Recently, I started a social experiment called the “Migratory Book Project” in which I tag my books, hand them to people who like to read, and ask them to pass it on when they are done. Gotta start somewhere, right?
Have you ever had to deal with harsh criticism in a review, and how do you handle it?:	Most people have enjoyed my stories, because they find them to be incredibly imaginative and generally a fun read. Most of the “harsher” reviews are because they don’t understand the absurdity of my fiction. So, the way I look at this kind of feedback is that not everyone likes Monty Python or They Might Be Giants. When criticism comes back regarding how the book is written, I try to understand the issue and use the criticism constructively.
What are your favorite genres to both read and write?:	I write the kinds of stories that I enjoy reading. At the end of the day, before going to sleep, I like to wind down with a light, easy read. Most of the time, I like the YA books, because they aren’t filled with flowery language and big words to trip over. A few books with big, fancy words, I’ve set aside. As for a particular genre, I prefer fantasy and sci-fi, but I’ll read most anything as long as it’s light.
What authors have influenced or inspired you?:	As I said above, JK Rowling, Stephen King, and Terry Pratchett can write characters that pop off the page. I love the fantastical, artistic content of Neil Gaiman’s stories. Douglas Adams has always been a favorite. His books may not be written well in the “normal fashion”, but you can’t argue with their popularity.
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?:	Besides writing, I have a hobby of designing tabletop games under my hobby company, Pegamoose Games. As much as I enjoy creating game, I love playing games, too. But, I’ll set everything aside for spending time with my family.
What software do you use for your writing? Did you try others before you settled on the one you’re currently using?:	I started writing with word processors, like MS Word or Pages. I was introduced to Scrivener a few years ago and love how well I can organize my stories with it. Plus, publishing with it was a breeze.
What is it that you like about the software you’re currently using that makes it the best solution for you?:	As I said, the organization. I can compartmentalize a complex story structure, like a novel, by putting the different elements into their own buckets: plot outlines, character development, scene descriptions, the chapters, and so on.
What’s the best advice you could possibly give to your fellow authors?:	Talking with many other authors, they all sound like Nike ads… Just do it! That’s good advice. But, I’d have to say, no matter what you want to do: write a novel, draw a comic, film a movie… Don’t let others tell you you can’t. You can. And, even if it never amounts to much, it matters to you. You put something new and unique into the world, and that is very special. It’s like Neil Gaiman says, “Make art.”
Where can people find out more about you and your books?:	http://www.checkeredscissors.com
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By Duane • Guest Author Interviews 0

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