Tag: West Midlands

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author Interview: Catherine Green

gibbsdream

 

CG.jpg

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Catherine Green, aka SpookyMrsGreen: The Pagan Housewife, and I am from Cheshire, UK. Originally, I come from the Staffordshire Moorlands.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Of course I love reading, always have done! My early inspiration came from authors including Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. As I grew older I discovered Judy Blume, LJ Smith and Anne Rice. More recently my inspiration comes from Laurell K. Hamilton and her Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write paranormal romance and contemporary English Gothic. My stories are primarily romance and stories about what happens when you fall in love, but my characters usually turn out to be supernatural or magical in some way. It just happens! I do have some humans in the stories as well…

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t like to take on another author’s character, but I do admire Anita Blake from the author Laurell K. Hamilton. She is a heroine, but she has many flaws, and these are explored and even worked on throughout the series, which I think is important. I don’t like my book characters to be perfect, it gets boring that way!

5. When did you first start writing?

I have been writing since the first time I learned to form words. As a child I would copy out pages of prose from my favourite story books simply because I loved the act of writing, and the way my writing flowed across the page. As I grew older I wrote diaries (journals), and eventually I began to dabble in short stories and poems. My novel writing only began about eight years ago.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

Oh no, I’m too impatient for that! I tried planning my first novel, Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and I still occasionally refer to my character notes and location details if I get confused with my current manuscript. But I am what we refer to as a “pantser” – I write by the seat of my pants, typing away furiously and seeing what happens. Then I tidy up the writing later.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Hmm, that’s a tricky one because I love them all! Alright, I do secretly have a favourite: Marcus Scott. He appears in my very first novel, Love Hurts, and he was only supposed to be a minor support character. He is a vampire, friends with the Mason brothers, and he develops a fixation with my heroine, Jessica Stone (read the books to find out why!). Marcus Scott became very insistent while I was writing the first three Redcliffe novels, and eventually I gave in and wrote his story, which was published as The Darkness of Love. He became a vampire during the late 1800s, on the whim of his Lord and Master on an English country estate.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

My books are really a collection of memories and experiences with added supernatural twists. The main theme throughout all my stories is the entity of being in love, and what it means to love another person. I have a very passionate relationship with my husband and we have been together since we were teenagers. A lot of our personal drama has appeared in my novels in some guise or other, along with themes I have observed from my peers.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

Oh yes, lots of things! Let me see… Well primarily I am working on the final three books in the Redcliffe novels series. Jessica Stone has transitioned fully into the person she was supposed to be, and now she and her spirit animal are learning their place in the Redcliffe werewolf pack.

In other news, I am working on a series of novels set in and around the North West of England featuring vampire hunters and their adventures. One is about a vampire hunter who lives on a narrowboat and takes on a hit that unravels some very deep, very dark and very surprising secrets about herself and her occasional work partner. If angels and demons are your thing, you might like to read this one…

I have a first draft of a novel about a retired vampire hunter who is married with young children when she is persuaded to return to her old job for one last target – the female vampire that almost killed her ten years previously. She must hide her previous identity from her husband in order to protect her family, but of course it never works out that way, does it?

And then we have Hunting the Hunted. This is almost ready for publication, and might even lend itself to a sequel, I haven’t decided yet. This one follows the story of a vampire called Frederick James who haunts the old tunnels beneath Manchester city centre. He is targeted by a group of hunters, but they struggle to capture him when he meets a witch who entraps him in a love affair before revealing the true nature of his intentions. This novel has strong homosexual themes and is a bit more experimental for me as a writer. I like it!

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Always be positive. When you feel the urge to write, just do it, and don’t worry about the consequences. If you decide to share your work with the world then fabulous, but be prepared for a long and arduous journey on your quest for fame and fortune. Ultimately, we write because we have to. It is in our nature.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Mostly I wrangle children! I have two daughters, one aged 6 and one aged 3, so they keep me busy. We also have a big soft dog and two pet turtles. When I’m not desperately trying to tidy my messy house, I like to indulge in hobby crafts, mainly card making. My current obsession is craft stamps, but I also enjoy decoupage. I am also a Tarot reader, and am doing a Tarot reading every day for my #365DaysofTarot challenge. I plan to compile a non-fiction book with the results when it is finished.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Definitely marketing. It is such a complicated, huge and confusing task. Where do we start? Who do we advertise to? How do we advertise to them? I am still exploring this one, so I will get back to you with an answer eventually (I hope!)

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

I don’t really have a bug bear because truthfully my friends and family don’t discuss my writing all that much. We are often too busy being consumed by the demands of the children and whatever domestic crisis is taking centre stage. I sort of get on with it quietly in the background.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness to me is an equal partnership between myself and my husband, where our parental duties are shared and I am free to work on my craft without hurrying or having to stop for mealtimes and bedtime routines etc. You’ve probably guessed that I am still struggling to achieve that balance!

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

My personal library is a room at the back of my house. It is average size, square, with French doors opening out onto a picturesque garden where colourful flowers bloom in the borders, and my children play happily on the lawn. I have a Victorian antique desk to the left of the French doors, on which sits my laptop, notebooks, printer and coffee mug. Two of the walls are lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves, and in front of the Victorian fireplace sits a small, velvet sofa on which I can rest and read when I need a break. The polished floorboards are covered with a soft rug, and the colour scheme is a mixture of muted purples and greens.

How does that sound?

Lovely (me)

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My children, my husband and my dog mostly.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Ooh, I haven’t thought about that! I might say I will just take my husband for now, because at least then I would get some quality time with him.

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Impatience! I cannot wait for things to happen, I always try and hurry them along. It doesn’t always work, and I am trying to calm down a bit and let things happen naturally.

19. Please tell me about your books?

Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) is about a young woman who runs a bookshop in Cornwall with her best friend. She falls in love with a local police detective and later discovers that he is a vampire, and that his identical twin brother is a werewolf. She is dragged into their complicated and dangerous lives, to her detriment, where secrets are told and lives are lost…

Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) is book 2 in the developing Redcliffe series. In the quiet Cornish seaside town of Redcliffe, Jessica Stone recovers from an horrific werewolf attack and comes to terms with revelations that her lover, Jack Mason, is a vampire, his brother, Danny, the werewolf pack leader, and her best friend, Simon, is a werewolf.  Add to that her discovery that she is a witch, and life is suddenly a whole lot harder than it used to be. Jessica has to fight for her own life and Jack’s when faced with his jealous vampire master who wants her old lover back. But things are never easy, and a vampire master is not so easy to defeat…

Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) – Life has changed forever in Redcliffe, Cornwall. Jessica Stone used to be a normal, happy human. Now she is an angry, conflicted and confused witch. It all happened when she met Detective Jack Mason and his identical twin brother Danny. Jessica almost died twice, fell into a love triangle, and she became a murderer. Now she faces the ultimate challenge as she continues the fight to save the man she loves, while simultaneously struggling with her lust for his werewolf brother and their vampire friend. Can she survive, or will love finally end her life completely?

The Darkness of Love – Lord Gregory Stockton is a powerful and respected businessman embracing the modern era of the Victorian industrial revolution. He has a grand and beautiful manor house complete with a repertoire of servants, and his young wife is charming, attractive, and the perfect lady to his gentleman. The only thing they lack is an heir to the family estate. Lord Gregory knows he can never produce a child, for he is a vampire, although his wife and servants know nothing of his secrets. There are other ways to provide heirs for his estate, however, and Lord Gregory has noticed the romantic attraction between his wife and the young stable hand Marcus Scott. He hatches a plan to bring the would-be lovers together, and then cruelly tear them apart as he continues to build his empire and secure his power base in the south of England. The humans are pawns in the vampire’s game of lust, love and control.

The Vampire of Blackpool – The vampire, the witch, and the hunter battle it out in a contemporary Gothic adventure in Northern England.

Meredith Hanson lives in Blackpool, the former Victorian holiday hotspot of Northern England. She masquerades as a reclusive author, feeding on the blood of unsuspecting tourists without remorse. Her life takes on new meaning when she meets a young witch in a local pub one evening. Despite Meredith’s cold demeanour, she finds herself oddly fascinated with Samantha Morris, and falls into an accidental relationship with the girl. It is at this time that a vampire hunter arrives in Blackpool. He is tough, he is determined, and his next target is an ancient vampire that has been spotted in the tourist town. He intends to bring her down and destroy her to save the lives of innocent humans.

Will he succeed? Or will the experienced vampire seductress be the cause of his undoing?

My Vampire Boyfriend: A Redcliffe Short Story Anthology – The pretty seaside town of Redcliffe in Cornwall is a popular location for holidaymakers during the summer season. It has good waves for surfing, good pubs for socialising, and a vibrant tourist industry. It is also home to a hidden werewolf pack, and several vampires and witches, who all live within human society, pretending to be just like the rest of us.

Bookshop owner Jessica Stone used to be one of those humans. Then she met Detective Jack Mason and his twin brother, Danny. They took her on a wild adventure that shows no sign of slowing down. Now she is deeply embedded with the vampires and werewolves, and learning the power of their lust, and a magnetic attraction that is just too hard to ignore. She is also learning about her own true heritage, and how to feed her desires and satisfy her powerful animal familiar that resides within.

This anthology contains adult themes, and scenes of a sexual nature.
20. Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? – Coffee
Cash or credit? – Cash
Cats or Dogs? – Dogs
Beach or Mountain? – Beach
Summer or Winter – Spring!
Sweet or Savoury – Sweet
Early riser or late riser? – Late riser
Morning or Night? – Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? – Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? – Lights on!

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Author of British paranormal romance series The Redcliffe Novels, Catherine Green was raised on books from a young age, and has happy memories of Saturday mornings spent in her small local library, devouring the contents of the shelves. Catherine has always been fascinated by the supernatural world, and it feels natural for her to write about vampires, werewolves, witches and other mystical creatures in her contemporary stories.

If you sign up to Catherine’s newsletter, she will send you a free copy of her Redcliffe short story, It’s Complicated, to introduce you to her fictional supernatural seaside town in Cornwall, England.

 

More recently, Catherine released her contemporary English Gothic novel, The Vampire of Blackpool. These novels will show you the darker, sexier side of our favourite British seaside resorts!

 

You can find Catherine in the following places:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpookyMrsGreen

Author blog: http://www.catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

Twitter page: https://twitter.com/SpookyMrsGreen

The Pagan Housewife Blog: http://spookymrsgreen.com/

 

 

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Pavan Kaur

gibbsdream

PK.jpg

  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
    Hello everyone, my name is Pavan Kaur and I’m from Birmingham UK

  2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
    I love reading so much. I always read before I go to bed. You always need some time away from writing. My inspiration, God there are so many amazing authors out there that I love to read, I follow on Facebook and Twitter.

  3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
    Romance is my main focus in writing. I’m writing my first BDSM stand alone at the moments, which I’m very excited about.
  4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
    Colton from the Driven Series fell in love with him.

  5. When did you first start writing?
    Six years ago, Moving On kept playing in my head, so I finally started writing it, then my family really liked it and told me to publish it, and here I am.

  6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
    I let the words flow, I have so many notebooks around my house, and in my bag so when something comes to me, I can write it down.

  7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
    Rhett Johnson, for a big guys he is super sweet.

  8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
    N/A

  9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
    Mr Dark my BDSM standalone book, and book 3 in my series.

  10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
    Keeping writing, and enjoy what you are doing if you don’t enjoy it then there is no point.

  11. What do you do when you’re not writing?
    Read or bake with my two boys. I like to spend a lot of time with my boys so baking, board games anything to see you smile.

  12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?
    Marketing, I find hard. Never know if I am doing it right or not, but I’m enjoying the learning everyday.

  13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
    I have only told my mum, dad, brother, sister and husband no other family no about my writing and the reason is because I don’t want to listen to the making sweeping statements at me, because then it will take the fun out of writing for me. I will double think everything, I love write and I don’t want them to ruin it for me.

  14. What is your idea of happiness?
    Family. As long as I have my family around me I’m always happy.
  15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
  16. What makes you laugh/cry?
  17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

    Jennifer Aniston, because I just love her
    David Beckham because I need something sexy to look at
    The impractical Jokers because we all need to laugh  

  18. What is your most annoying habit?
    Im OCD, which can get annoying sometimes lol

  19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

Moving On – 

Everyone has a past. For most people their past is their worst nightmare, haunting them day by day. Such a person with a past is Kim Turner. But everything changes when Nicolas Webb comes into her life.

Nick on the other hand, is your typical hot shot. With money comes powers and with powers come happiness, or so he thought until he met Kim.

Haunted by her past and stalked in his present, are they destined to be together? Will Kim be able to let go of her past and trust Nick or will Nick just cause another heartbreak?

Moving Forward – 

“I knew then, that I will never be safe!” 

Moving on, Kim Turner finally let go of her past. She trusts Nicolas Webb with more than her life. Just when she thought she could move on from her haunted past, James Foster comes back into her life; together with the painful memories and disturbing nightmares. But this time, it’s all real. 

The untold story of Kim and Nick continues as more secrets and lies begin to unravel. Following as the sequel to “Moving On” with James Foster out of Prison, will Kim and Nick be able to move forward? Or will this time be the last time they fight for each other?

Moving Together – 

The Final instalment of the Moving Series 

James’ persistence is taking its toll on Kim. With what he’s done goes above and beyond trying to get her back; it’s hurting her in the worst way imaginable. Using her love for Nick against her has Kim deciding if she can continue to fight James, or give in. 

One thing’s for sure… She won’t go back to the hell he made for her.

COURAGE TO TRUST –

I knew I should have stayed away from Rhett Johnson. Captivating, beautiful, talented not to mention a UFC prize fighter, and a man who knows what he wants and he wants ME.

Who am I? Scarlett Parker. A maid in a luxury Vegas hotel. I’m damaged, broken and running away from the darkness around me. I don’t believe in happily ever after.

The attraction between us is like a drug, one we both dangerously need. Wounds break open as my past returns. Is this my happily ever after or is this a disaster waiting to happen?

COURAGE TO FIGHT

He told me that I could trust him.

He told me he loved me.

I put myself in a place where I thought I would be safe again. Never did I think I would hurt more than I did before. But I do.

I let the wall fall around my heart, only for it to get burned.

I cried, but now I’m back and I won’t let the demons get me again.

I won’t make the same mistake twice…

But there he stands in front of me. 

The man who hurt me.

Rhett Johnson

  1. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Teas
    Cash or credit? Cash
    Cats or Dogs? Dogs
    Beach or Mountain? Beach
    Summer or Winter? Summer
    Sweet or Savoury? B
    Early riser or late riser? Early riser
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
    Sex – Lights on or off? On

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
    Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Nikki Ashton

gibbsdream

 

NA.jpg

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Nikki Ashton and I’m from Cheshire – Crewe to be exact, it’s not pretty but it’s home.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading and probably read three or four books a week.  Everything I read is inspiration – I don’t mean I copy the storylines, but the different styles of writing.  Writing in the first person wasn’t something I ever considered until I read other authors books.  Now I love it as you can get so much more across to the reader.  My biggest inspiration to start writing though was Marian Keyes.  I love how she can make you laugh out loud and then cry with the next sentence.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I have always written romantic comedy but recently have crossed over into contemporary romance, and absolutely loved the change.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Ooh that’s hard.  I suppose it’d have to be Christian Grey, purely and simply because the books became such a phenomena.  They gave EL James a tremendous amount of success and to reach that level with something that I’d actually written would be amazing.

5. When did you first start writing?

I’ve always written stories from the age of 7 and then wrote my first full length book about 15 years ago.  I shelved it though until 4 years ago with the rise of self-publishing.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I do a rough plot line, write the first and last chapter and then just see where the words take me.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

As I write a character they become my favourite, so at the moment it’s Jesse Connor, the rancher in my book that’s coming out in the summer.  Although Roman Hepburn from my February release, Roman’s Having Sex Again, is a very close second.  Both are pretty Alpha Male but have a romantic side too.  As for female characters it has to be Summer from Roman’s Having Sex Again – she sarcastic and strong and has a fine collection of amazing shoes!!

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

The whole of my teenage and early twenties pretty much inspired my first book, Guess Who I Pulled Last Night?  Some scenes were a little exaggerated, but generally the three heroines are me and my friends.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’ve just finished a joint venture with Victoria Johns, so we’re currently doing edits for that.  Other than that I’m doing the follow up to my rancher story.  It’s about Jesse’s brother, Garratt and it’s going to be emotional.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do it, what do you have to lose?  Oh and make sure you get a good team behind you in the form of an editor and proof reader. There’s a lot of competition out there and lots of discerning readers.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read and people watch for inspiration.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The marketing side of things for definite.  I love interacting with my readers but I never know how much it too much marketing, plus I’m not particularly organised.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

The fact that people don’t take you seriously because you self-publish and don’t see it as a job.  I have a part-time job and people always say ‘yeah but you get two days off every week’ – actually I don’t because I’m doing my other job then.  I might have more flexibility but if I don’t write in the day I’ll probably be up until the early hours writing.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

My family.  Spending time with my husband, or spoiling my nephews and nieces is when I’m most happy.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

Music plays quietly in the background, as the glow from the desk lamp shines onto the computer screen.  The aroma of fresh, steaming, black coffee fills the air and there is a constant tap, tap, tap of the keyboard as the words flow easily.  A voice from the sofa breaks into my thoughts as a bare chested, Micah Truitt says, ‘Okay stop writing now love, it’s sexy time.’

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

Observational humour makes me laugh, so I adore Peter Kay and Victoria Wood.  I always laugh out loud at Helena Hunting books – she just has my sense of humour; coarse and smutty.  I am quite an emotional person so lots of things make me cry, both happy and sad.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Apart from my husband being an obvious choice, family members would be difficult as I love them all dearly.  So, looking at this purely from a ‘whoa, check you out’, point of view it would be; Micah Truitt, Pep Guardiola and Jamie Dornan.  Without books or TV, I’m sure I’d find something to do!

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Self-doubt and being over sensitive

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

Guess Who I Pulled Last Night? This a story of three friends in their early 30’s and the ups and downs they go through for love. There are parts to the story that we can all relate to at some point in our lives.

 

No Bra Required, is a humorous, romantic love story about Lucy and Ed.  After spending weeks in bed wearing a bobble hat, due to being unceremoniously dumped by her cheating husband, Lucy decides to make a fresh start living with her dad for a while.  That’s when she meets Ed.  But, in true romance tradition, things don’t run smoothly when his bitchy ex-wife, and mother of his son, suddenly appears.

 

Get Your Kit Off is the story of Molly Pearson, who doesn’t have children, but as the Player Liaison Manager for a premiership football club, does have twenty-two professional footballers and one jealous fiancé to take care of. With having to deal with problems from players buying zoo animals as pets, to losing their false teeth and a whole lot more, Molly can’t wait for the season to end. But, her life becomes even more complicated, when the man who broke her heart six years earlier, comes back into her life. Hail the returning hero, Joe Bennett, now one of the best footballers in the world and the club’s most expensive signing. Every woman wants him, every man wants to be him, and he’s returned for one reason only – he wants Molly back.

 

Rock Stars Don’t Like Big Knickers follows Luke and Martha.  Luke ‘Luciano’ Mahoney is the arrogant and sexy lead singer of the mega rock band, Dirty Riches, and he finds it highly amusing that his flirting embarrasses Martha, his new housekeeper/cook.  Despite a shaky start involving a naked Luke and a mortified Martha, they start to grow closer and their friendship starts to develop into something more, but will he ever manage to prove to Martha that he’s the right man for her.

 

Rock Stars Don’t Like Ugly Bras, is the second in the Dirty Riches series and is all about their Lead Guitarist, Jake Hughes and the band’s PA, Amber Mahoney, who also happens to be Luke’s cousin.  Jake irritates Amber more than anyone she’s ever met before. Jake, however, thinks that Amber is sexy but scary. Now they’ve got to share a house for six weeks – what could possibly go wrong?

 

Cheese Tarts and Fluffy Socks: Complex, Enthralling Romance Novel Proves Sex & Work is a Cocktail Best Left Unshaken.  The story zeroes in on a steamy one-night stand that, unknown to either party, is about to kick-off a working relationship that is far more than awkward. A hotel badly in need of investment, a young entrepreneur has been sent in to decide if it’s a good investment, but the daughter of the owner is…well…you get the picture.

 

Rock Stars Do Like Christmas Stockings, is the final book in the Dirty Riches series, and is all about Tom Davies, final member of the band to settle down, or so everyone thinks. What they don’t know is that Tom has been having a relationship with Jake’s sister, Abbie, for the past year.  With one secret affair, one unwelcome Santa suit, five excitable children, four foul-mouthed band members and two days to organise a party for hundreds of people, Christmas is certainly going to be interesting for the Dirty Riches boys and their families this year!

20. Lightning Round:

Tea or Coffee? Tea

Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs?    Dogs
Beach or Mountain?  Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late Riser
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? On (unless we’re in the car of course ☺ )

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NikkiAshtonBooks/?fref=ts

Twitter – https://twitter.com/NikkerAsh

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nikkiashtonauthor/

Amazon.co.uk page – http://viewauthor.at/NAPage

Amazon.com page – http://viewauthor.at/AmazonCom

 

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Maddie Wade

gibbsdream

 

MW2.jpg

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Maddie Wade and I am from Hereford

2.Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading and always have I`m never without a book. My inspirations are people like Marie Force and Melody Anne. They have both been trailblazers for indie authors, proving that you can start from scratch and make it.

3.What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write Romantic Suspense with a paranormal twist.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Oh wow that’s a tough one. It would have to be Sherlock Holmes. He is so deliciously complex.

5. When did you first start writing?

Not that long go really. I started writing in 2015.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I plan the basic plot and story arc and then an idea of where I need to go. Then I just write and see how it pans out. Quite often things change and surprise me which I love.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

I would have to say Lucy. I`m writing her book now and she had a beautiful mix of kick ass and take names mixed in with a sweetness and vulnerability that you wouldn’t expect from a woman who works for an all male badass security firm.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Not really it was more that the idea wouldn’t shut up or go away and kept growing so I decided to let it out and see where it went. Best thing I ever did.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

As I said I`m working on Lucy and Jaces book Love Divided, which is book three in this series. It`s really surprising me and has already made me cry. Let`s just say it`s going to be emotional and yet you still get the pace and action. Obviously the rest of the team make appearances too.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t procrastinate, just do it and see what happens.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Reading or spending time with my family. I also like watching T.V series like the Blacklist and Blindspot.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Marketing and promotion because you never know if you’re getting it right and I find it hard to blow my own trumpet.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

Oh you mean “My little hobby?” I guess that people think if you self publish that you are not a Real author. Drives me crazy.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Easy my kids happy and safe.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

Oh love this okay. The sun is hanging low in the sky, the orange and red embers just touch the top of the sea. My feet are bare and buried in the warm sand under my desk. Warmth from the fading sun kisses my face, and caresses my shoulders. The gentle breeze is bringing with it the smell of the sea and the sound of a child`s laugh. Laptop open, curser idling waiting for the next adventure to begin. I take a sip from the cold mojito by my side and let the words flow.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

The big Bang Theory makes me laugh. Videos of soldiers returning home and surprising their families makes me bawl like a baby.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Okay from a mum’s point of view I would have to pick my kids. From a woman`s point I would have to say Chris Hemsworth (I`m totally obsessed with him), Jason Momoa and Henry Cavil. Please don’t tell my hubby (sniggers)

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Not putting the washing away.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

Healing Danger is my Debut Novel and the First in the Fortis Security series. It follows Dane and Lauren as they try to find her best friends killer and stop Lauren from being the next victim of the Divine Watchers. The Divine Watchers are a sick cult out to use people with special abilities like Lauren`s to start Armageddon.

Stolen Dreams is book two and follows Nate and Skye as they try to get Skye`s very sick son back. He has been kidnapped for his ability and the race is on to get to him before it is too late.

Each book has its own story but the series as a whole has an overreaching arc. Each character in the Fortis team will get a book.

  1. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Cash or credit? Cash
    Cats or Dogs? Dog
    Beach or Mountain? Beach
    Summer or Winter? Summer
    Sweet or Savoury? Sweet
    Early riser or late riser? Late
    Morning or Night? Morning
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
    Sex – Lights on or off? Don’t care

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
    Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Website is www.maddiewadeauthor.co.uk

Email:maddie@maddiewadeauthor.co.uk

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maddieuk/?fref=ts

Twitter @mwadeauthor

Instagram @mwadeauthor

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Nicola C. Priest

gibbsdream

 

NP.jpg

  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
     I write under my given name, Nicola C. Priest, but people tend to call me Nicky. Midlands girl, born & bred.
  2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
    Completely true.  When I was younger, I used to love reading Stephen King and James Patterson, mainly because my mom loved to read those authors so I picked up her books, but now I’m predominantly a romance girl and love to read Nicole Edwards and Kristy Bromberg
  3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
    Most of my books are contemporary romance, but one of my in progress books, Perception, leans towards the Crime genre, with a touch of romance thrown in.
  4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
    Just one character? Don’t think I could do that, but Id happily take all seven of the Walker Brothers from Nicole Edwards’ Alluring Indulgence series.  Seven hot, sexy cowboys; what’s not to love there?
  5. When did you first start writing?
    I’ve loved writing since I was in school. Our creative writing classes were always my favourite.  I started writing fanfiction based on various TV shows but it wasn’t until a certain trilogy came out that I decided to have a go at writing something original. I figured if she could do it, then so could I.
  6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
    I do plan to some degree, but I tend to just write and go where the characters take me.  I never know how a story is going to end until I get there. Two of the books I’ve released ended in completely different ways to what I originally envisioned.
  7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
    Tough one, but I’d have to say Jackson MacKenzie out of Somewhere Love Remains.  I won’t go into details, but there are parts of that book that mean a lot to me and I’ll leave it there.
  8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
    Somewhere Love Remains.  I had an armed forces penpal back when I was a teenager.
  9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
    Yes.  I’m working on the sequel to Heart & Soul, called Mind & Soul which has a couple of twists people won’t see coming.  The second I’m working on is Perception, which is a little different to what I usually write.
  10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
    Just write.  I’m a firm believer that everyone has at least one book inside them, but you won’t get anywhere unless you write.  All the editing and formatting comes after, just get the words on the paper and the rest will follow.
  11. What do you do when you’re not writing?
    I work full time as a financial services contractor so that takes up most of my day.  When I’m not working or writing, I go to the gym and catch up on my reading list.
  12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?
    Definitely the marketing.  Getting a new book out there is hard and I hate pestering people or posting repeatedly on pages/groups.  I know how it makes me feel seeing the same post over and over, but then I remember that this person is trying to do the same things as me, they’re just being a bit more forward lol
  13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
         I hate it when people assume that just because I have a book on Amazon, I must be raking in the cash.  I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve heard “You’re an author? You must be loaded” or words to that effect.  I wish I was loaded, but as most of us indie authors can attest, that’s just not the case
  14. What is your idea of happiness?
    Being able to give up my full-time job so that I can write for a living instead.  I’d love to be able to earn my living as an author.
  15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
         For me it would have to be a log cabin in the middle of nowhere, with an open log fire and huge armchair.  I’d have a glass of my favourite wine next to me with the fire roaring, warming the room and casting a soft glow over the furnishings.  I’d have my Macbook on my lap and just let the words flow.
  16. What makes you laugh/cry?
    I’m a big softie.  Anything that my nieces and nephews achieve always has me in tears, and they’re not even m kids!  My niece recently took park in the Children in Need choir which was televised and when I caught a glimpse of her on the TV I teared up.  I’m a sucker for sappy movies too.
  17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature. Hmmmmm.  I think I’d take the inspirations behind my leading men.  Henry Cavill inspired Alistair Lockwood; there’s just something about him and I could look at him all day.  That man can wear a suit like no other.  Canadian actor Yannick Bisson inspired Jason Harper, again, very easy on the eyes, but also a fantastic cook so he’d be able to keep all of out energies up.  The last one, and I’m not giving a name here as it’s personal, is the inspiration for Jackson MacKenzie.  He’s a good friend of mine and has helped me through some tough time.  I wouldn’t be without him in my life.
  18. What is your most annoying habit?
    I’m the queen of the saying “I’ll do it in a minute.” It drives my husband mad as whatever it is never gets done and he ends up doing it himself.  My memory is terrible so unless I do something there and then, I completely forget about it.
  19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
         I have three books out at the moment: Heart & Soul is part one in the Heartland series.  You have Alistair Lockwood, Hollywood moviestar and heartthrob, you meets clerical assistant Samantha Westfield during a meeting.  There’s an instant attraction, but both have dark secrets that they want to keep hidden.

Somewhere Love Remains tells the tale of Olivia and Jackson, two people who connect when Olivia places an advert for an armed forces penpal.  Throughout the years Olivia falls for Jackson, but he falls for someone else and they lose touch.  Jump to 14 years later and a chance encounter has them reconnecting, but they’re both different to what the other remembers.

Chase the Knight is a novella you can read in 45 minutes.  Abigail’s life is threatened by her dad’s shady work dealings so he hires Alexander Chase, and undercover cop, to protect her.  Can’t really say much more without giving it away.

Mind and Soul & Perception are currently in progress. Mind & Soul carries on six weeks after Heart & Soul ended with Alistair and Samantna trying to move on with their lives.  Perception is a little different to the other books in that it is a crime book where several girls have gone missing, with two turning up later, apparently murdered.

  1. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Cash or credit? Cash
    Cats or Dogs? Cats
    Beach or Mountain? Beach
    Summer or Winter? Summer
    Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
    Early riser or late riser? Late Riser
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
    Sex – Lights on or off? Both

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
    Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

 

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicola-C.-Priest/e/B00GW2VPUE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1484058652&sr=1-1

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolacpriest

 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NicolaCPAuthor

 

Website: https://www.nicolacpriest.co.uk

 

 

 

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Laura Morgan

gibbsdream

 

LM.jpg

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Laura Morgan, originally from Essex but I now live in the West Midlands.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh absolutely. I love reading anything dark and powerful. I found there was a real gap in that market a few years ago and that was what inspired me to write my first dark novel. They say if you can’t read the book you’re trying to find, then you have to write it, and that’s exactly what I did!

I do have a few big influences though. JR Ward is one of my all time favourites, as is Pepper Winters and Colleen Hoover.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I’m one who crosses over. I have a dark paranormal series, a contemporary romance duology and a crime novel coming out soon. I also write dystopian science fiction under another pen name too. I just write what comes to me, regardless of genre.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I’d have to say Rhage from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I’ve always had a thing for the bad guy with a heart and he was the one character who stayed with me long after reading about him. I’d love to take him and make him my own. To pop him in my worlds and see what happens!

5. When did you first start writing?

I’ve always made up stories since being a child, but I only started properly writing them down around four years ago. I hadn’t even realised that coming up with stories in my head wasn’t what everyone did. I figured it was the norm to conjure up characters and storylines, but got the shock of my life when I realised that wasn’t quite the case. That realisation gave the push I needed to finally put pen to paper.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

Both really. I plan some, usually at night while I tell myself a story to fall asleep. Then the next day, I type up what I came up with and then some more.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

My favourite character has to be Cate, the Dark Queen in my Black Rose series. She’s dealt some pretty bad cards in the first book and is pushed in directions she doesn’t want to be, but then she finds her strength and turns it all around. She becomes a force to be reckoned with and I absolutely love her for every moment of it.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Not really. There are a few real moments I have added along the way. Secret scenes only those who know me really well will spot, but most of all I will see a real-life scenario and ask ‘what if?’ That’s what makes it into the story rather than a real event as such.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m about to release a new story called Rough Love. This one is a modern day tale of both the good and bad in our world. A world where love can conquer all, but at the same time the monsters can also win a few of the battles along the way. It’s a contemporary crime with elements of romance, but fundamentally it’s a mystery and a dark one at that!

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t get too swallowed up in sweating the small stuff. Just sit down and write. Blurt out an initial draft and don’t give up. It’s better to have a rough draft you can work on a million times than nothing at all.

11.What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to sing and am part of the Military Wives Choir, through which I’ve had some great opportunities to sing with famous artists and even go on the radio with the amazing Chris Evans. I’ve written poems and songs for them as well and hope to have even more input as time goes on. It’s something I hadn’t thought I’d love so much when I started out doing but now couldn’t live without!

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

The marketing. I’m too nice and don’t like to bombard people or shove my cards under anyone’s nose I find. I’m awkward like that, but I guess it comes with the territory or being a loner who sits in front of a computer for hours on end talking to imaginary people lol!

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

Because I write romance, the amount of people who tell me random stories about their lovelife is unreal! But then they almost always follow up their story with a, ‘but don’t put that in your book!’ Really?! I think you fail to comprehend the complexity of the writers’ imagination if you think I’m going to put you in my next book 😉

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Being able to write and do what I love for the foreseeable future. I truly love what I do and would adore being able to write full time. My family are incredibly supportive and it’d also be amazing not to have to sacrifice my family time so much.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I love to sit down in my nice and warm writing cave with my coffee brewed to perfection and perhaps a biscuit or two for dunking. Next, it’s on with the writing playlist and I choose whichever one ties in with my current piece of writing. With (ideally) no distractions, I then close my eyes, focus on the story, and begin to type. The words are then not simply black and white symbols on a page, but the narration of the movie playing out in my head. They flow perfectly and only stop when I say so…

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m a sucker for love. I cry at the sweetest of stories and the heart-warming ones. Laughing wise, I’m like a twelve year old. A good fart joke or someone falling over will get me giggling every single time!

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

I’ve got a serious fan-girl situation going on with a singer/writer called Corey Taylor so he’d be first on my list for shooting the breeze, singing together and having some fun (he also comes across as a hilarious guy.) After that, I’d have to go with some eye candy—the one and only Tom Hardy. He’s a great actor and has been the inspiration behind many of my leading men so he’d have to come along to keep on inspiring me 😉 Then, I’m thinking some more eye candy and my other inspiration, Henry Cavill. He seems so nice and gentlemanly, but also like he’d fun and perhaps let me ogle him while he’s swimming and hunting 😉

18. What is your most annoying habit?

I don’t think I have one really? My hubby might tell you differently though, but I do know I can be quite annoying with grinding my teeth at night. I sometimes wake myself up with the noise it’s that bad, oops!

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have quite an extensive collection now! The Black Rose series is my dark paranormal collection. They have angels and demons galore, and of course all the dark deeds you might expect given the setting. I cover controversial and taboo subjects, as well as the age-old concept of balance between the worlds of light and dark. I drag the reader kicking and screaming through both the good and bad in this and other worlds.

My contemporary romances Forever Lost and Forever Loved are set in the real world, but one just as dark in its own way. You have hookers and gangsters, but also the story of a young woman who’s overcoming her own history via their world. Plus, you have a hot alpha lead you cannot help but fall in love with haha!

With my science fiction, I wrote from another perspective. One of a futuristic society where the human race is no longer in charge of the earth. Following an alien invasion, the series begins with the story of a young woman who has been brought up under their reign, but she has a bright future ahead of her, if only she can overcome the obstacles in her path first.

  1. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Both! Earl grey tea for me though, if you please
    Cash or credit? Cash
    Cats or Dogs? Dogs – I have a furry friend who sits by my feet as I type
    Beach or Mountain? Beach, but always in the shade otherwise I melt haha
    Summer or Winter? Winter
    Sweet or Savoury? Savoury – I’m a crisp monster
    Early riser or late riser? Late riser for sure!
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
    Sex – Lights on or off? On!

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
    Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

http://www.facebook.com/lauramorganauthor

https://www.facebook.com/LCMorgansauthor

www.lauramorgan.co

www.lcmorgan.co.uk

http://www.twitter.com/lauram241

http://www.goodreads.com/laura_morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/LC_Morgan

http://lauramorgan1.blogspot.com

https://instagram.com/lauramorganauthor/

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Attending Author: J F Holland

gibbsdream

15934584_10211180911255251_141872001_n.jpg

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Julie and I write under my maiden name JF Holland. I still live in the small town I was born in Partington in Manchester.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I read contemporary and paranormal romance, and I have a few authors who inspire me. Jill Shalvis, my good friend Kate Hardy (who write for Mills & boon) Lynsay Sands, JR Ward, Lara Adrian, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Hannah Howell and a few others.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write what I read, contemporary and paranormal romance, but I do cross over slightly.  I enjoy a bit of humour in my books, so I try to add that in too. as well as sass and a little intrigue.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Oh my, so many, I’d have to say Mary from JR Wards the Black Dagger Brotherhood though. She has the strength to face down the brothers and she’s lifemate to Hollywood, I mean, nom.

5. When did you first start writing?

I don’t ever remember I time when I didn’t write, even when I was little I wrote. I’d re-write books I wasn’t overly fond of and change them to my liking. If I wasn’t reading I was writing or drawing. I’ve wrote seriously for about the last 10 years though, but I didn’t release my first book until last July.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I tried for years to plan, to work out each chapter, and have quite a few partial manuscripts I never finished due to it. I’m now what is termed a pantster. Basically, I sit down at my laptop, maybe with a rough idea, and just write. I see the story in my head as a movie, what they say how they move, surroundings etc., I just write what I see. I’ve actually explained my writing process in Blue Christmas, as that’s about a writer.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

That would have to be Maya from my paranormal series. She takes no shit from her mate and gives him a run for his money.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

My paranormal series is bases on The Big Black Cat sightings in the UK. I’ve listened about big black cat sightings for years, strange in a country where we don’t have any. Then you add in the sightings of wolves (or should I say werewolves) and a Lion too at one point and I instantly went down the shifter route. So between the stories on the press, sightings and Maroon 5’s ‘Animal,’ my Bound Series was born.

9.Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m working on 2 books, but several more in the pipeline. I’m writing the book that Lorie, the main character is writing in Blue Christmas, called Date Night, which is a contemporary romance. Also, I’m writing the 3rd book in my paranormal series, this one is called Fire in The Moon, and Balin now gets his story. The 3rd book will bring more fighting and intrigue as the immortals fight for the lives of the women they love, and rescue one of the males. Also, we’ll see more of what some of the characters are capable of bringing to the table. So intrigue, hot sex, fight scenes and a little payback is expected.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up, read a lot, and write. Write whatever comes to mind. You may not use everything that you write but your confidence grows with each piece that you produce. As the saying goes, you can’t edit a blank page.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I read, or draw, I also crochet, and a little cross stitch. I also have children so family time is important. One of my sons is a drummer in an indie rock band, so I go to their gigs and attend rock concerts if they come up.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Marketing and writing the blurb, that to me is like pulling nails. I’d rather write another manuscript than have to do my marketing and write the blurb.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

You write filth (which I don’t) I don’t write erotica per se, I write heated romance with a story. I also hate how people assume you can just switch it off at a certain time. Unfortunately, characters don’t have a stop clock. Ideas and scenes can come to you at the most inopportune moments.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

I’m pretty easy to please, a book, and a cup of tea and I’m good.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

The kids are in bed, and the house is quiet. The fire is lit, so the room is nice and cosy. I’m sat with a lamp on and a couple of candles flickering on the mantelpiece. The television is on, low, in the background (I can’t listen to music as I write as I get more story ideas) and my dogs are curled up snoring beside me.

I sit beneath a blanket, wearing slippers on the sofa, with my laptop on my knee and envision the scene I’m working on. At the side of me sits my warm mug of tea and either a bag of bacon Wheaties or a bar of dark chocolate.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My children can make me do both, my dogs the same.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

I’ll take Jesus as he was a carpenter, so the skills will come in handy. Plus, he’s in with the big guy and you never know when you’ll need a favour. Gordon Ramsey as he can cook and I find his swearing highly entertaining. Lastly I’d take Liam Neeson as he has a particular set of skills and they may also come in handy to survive.

18. What is your most annoying habit?

I’m always on the last minute or late, my mum said I was even born late lol

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

Dennison Property Story Series (contemporary)

The Only One (book 1)

This Time (book 2)

Second Chance (book 2)

Blue Christmas (holiday Romance)

The Bound Series (paranormal)

Moon Sworn (book 1, introduction)

Bound by The Moon (book 2)

20. Lightning round
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dog
Beach or Mountain? I’d have to say both for this.
Summer or Winter? Summer as it’s warm, winter as I love the crisp air.
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Late riser
Morning or Night? Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake, I have dogs.
Sex – Lights on or off? Lamp lol

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

 

You can find me on facebook:-  www.facebook.com/JFHollandRomanceWriter

 

Twitter:-   www.twitter.com/JFHollandwriter

 

Or I have a website:- https://www.jf-holland-romance-author.com

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author Interview: Audrina Lane

gibbsdream

AL.jpg

 

  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Audrina Lane and I’m from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Absolutely, I’ve been a voracious reader since as early age, devouring classics like Little Women and Gone with the Wind. I guess my main inspiration is Stephen King, because he writes such brilliant characters. I also enjoy Jilly Cooper and Anita Shreve.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write contemporary love stories but with an erotic twist. However I have plans for branching into the paranormal genre in the future and have been enjoying writing short stories with a horror/supernatural edge to them. Still love though!!

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

It would have to be Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, because she is such a complex and feisty female throughout the novel. In many ways I want to shout at her and give her a good shake and in other ways I completely admire her ambition.

5. When did you first start writing?

I started writing short stories for my sisters when I was a teenager. I then wrote my first full length novel in 1992, aged 19. However it languished in a loft until 2013 when I re-worked the idea into my first book.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’m afraid I just let the words flow although I generally have a rough outline of the story in my head. However this often changes as my characters evolve and shape the story.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

It has to be Stephanie from my Heart Trilogy series and my first character. She is kind of based on me and many of my hopes and fears so she’s kind of like my twin sister.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

The first book in The Heart Trilogy is very much based on my first love affair and trying to make sense of why something so perfect, ended! My favourite scene in the book is Stephanie’s first kiss with James and this was taken from the memory of my first kiss, strangely enough in the same location, with a lifeguard called James!!

AL2.jpg

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on the 2nd part of my two part series called Bloodstained Heart. Part 2 – Revenge. This is the story of Felicity, the evil bitch who causes havoc and destruction in the Heart Trilogy series. 

AL3.jpg

I’m also working on collaboration with another author called Rita Ames called 24 Hours to Love. It’s a love story written by the two main characters. I write as Jackson, the alpha male racing car driver and Rita is writing as Lola the pit board model that he falls in love with during the Le Mans 24 Hour motor race. (See teaser attached)

unnamed.jpg

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do it, don’t worry about it or put it off. I wish I’d started writing years ago as I feel I have so many stories to tell and not enough time to tell them in!!

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work full-time for Herefordshire Library Service, delivering the service to schools, nursing homes and the elderly within Herefordshire. It can be frustrating being surrounded by books when all I really want to be doing is writing. My writing happens in every other available space and time during evenings, weekends, and lunch hours! I also enjoy walking my dogs, listening to music and dancing.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

I think it’s the editing and trying to be more concise and precise with my writing. Luckily I have a great editor and a friend who is really good at spotting spelling and grammar mistakes for me.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

My other half when I’m sat on the sofa with my iPad open and he asks “Are you busy?” Apparently this does not look busy to him so always have to make sure that all the relevant chores are complete before I do sit down.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Having the time to write more!!

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

I can feel the soft, warm breeze drifting up from the ocean that is directly in front of me. My sun lounger is positioned to shade me as I sip on my cold gin and tonic and let my characters frolic in their story.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs playing together or fighting over a chew or toy makes me laugh. As for crying I’ve done a fair bit recently and generally because certain songs come on the radio and remind me of the past.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Mmh, good question! I would take George Michael for his singing and song writing. I’m sure we would be able to shoot the breeze and have a great friendship. Scott Eastwood, because he is so hot and can swim so we’d have some fun together in the waves! Finally my best friend Miriam, because a girl always needs a gossip!

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Biting the skin around my fingers, it’s a nervous habit that I do when I’m stressed or upset.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

The Heart Trilogy

Where did your Heart go? – The first book in the series. It’s a story about Stephanie and her daughter Charlotte set in my home town of Ross-on-Wye. When Charlotte’s first relationship comes to an end her Mum gives her the diary from 1988 which is the story of her own first love affair. A great look at first love in the 80’s juxtaposed against first love today, and the possibility of second chances.

Unbreak my Heart – The Second book in the series. It sees Stephanie reunited with her first love James, whilst Charlotte is happy in her relationship with Mitchell. But the evil ex-wife Felicity is on the scene and causing chaos and dancing ambitions may pull Charlotte and Mitchell apart.

Closer to the Heart – The final book in the series finds both couples struggling with their relationships with family deaths and Felicity’s destructive nature. But will it all end happily – I’m afraid I can’t say as it would spoil things!

All the trilogy books are filled with references to fantastic music from the 80’s through to now.

Bloodstained Heart. Part 1 – Passion

The first in a two part series (I’m currently writing the 2nd) this is a dark, erotic romance that tells the life of Felicity (from the Heart Trilogy). The first part starts as she approaches 18 years old in 1978 and then continues and gives a different perspective on the events from all of the Heart Trilogy series. It also gives a more in depth look at some of the other characters from the series.


20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? Morning
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Dimmed

 

Stalker links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane or https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane

Website: http://www.audrinalane.co.uk/

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Book Signing Author Interview: T L Wainwright

gibbsdream

TL Wainwright.jpg

 

    1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
      T.L Wainwright (Trace) I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire
    2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
       I love reading, I adore being able to escape to some other time and place. Inspirations, too many to list but modern day, Helena Hunting, Debra Anastasia, Emma Hart and JA Huss are just a few that come to mind.
    3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
      I wright Adult Romance, Humour, Erotica. I may dip my toe into others in the future.
    4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
      Neville Longbottom from the Potter books. It would be set when he’s all grown up and he’d be a bit of a bad boy. Well, have you seen him recently? Peks, Abs and everything.
    5. When did you first start writing?
       April 2015 out of the blue.
    6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
      I have an idea but then I fly by the seat of my pants.
    7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
       Isaac was my first and you know what they say… Your first love is the deepest. He’s also hot as hell with tattoos and a regal piercing.
    8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
      Ahh! That would be telling.
    9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels? 
      My WIP is very nearly done. It’s a spin off from one of my other books. The title is Tomek – saving angels. Here’s the short version of the blurb….                                    I’m a soldier, but not in the way you may think. I work for a man who people akin to the devil. My orders? Anything from inflicting a hard beating, to torture that will undoubtedly lead to a painful death. Failing is not an option and I learnt years ago to keep my thoughts and emotions to myself.
      Do I choose to live this life? The question is irrelevant, because from being a small boy living in Poland, to where I am now in England, this is all I have ever known.
      Then she changed everything.
      If someone walks into your life when you least expect it, changing your whole perspective, despite the inevitable risk. Would you take the chance, when potentially they could end up being your saviour?
      But then again… who exactly is saving who?
      Piece of advice…  
      Write what you want to write and not what you think they want to read. Be true to yourself. Remember, you’ll never be everyone’s cup of tea.             

      10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
       Have faith in yourself and do it. It’s bloody amazing.

      11.What do you do when you’re not writing?
      Day job as an Export Manager or reading.

      12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you? Everything. I’m still learning new stuff as I go along. It’s like on the job training.

      13.We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
       ‘IS IT LIKE FIFTY SHADES?’ My response, I wouldn’t know because I haven’t read it.

      14. What is your idea of happiness?
      A happy, healthy Family. In book world? Giving up my day job so I can do this full time. Isn’t that everyone’s?

      15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
      Hotel patio/balcony, blue skies, good laptop, glass of rose, beach view, hot men, volleyball…

      16. What makes you laugh/cry?
       Awkward situations. Soppy romance.

      17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
      Debra Anastasia because she just cracks me up. KL Shandwick to I can milk her for all her knowledge on writing. Franggy Yanes because he’s a fabulous photographer and I’m so not photogenic. He’s also one sexy dude, eye candy.

      18. What is your most annoying habit?
       Interrupting people. The thing is, I hate it but still bloody do it. My excuse is that if I don’t, I’ll forget what I wanted to say.

      19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)  see below….

      My first book Naughty But Rice (Free to download) was released in July 2015 with part 2, Rice Back At You! (99p) in August 2015…
      When 26-year-old Amy Reed’s promotion sends her down to London, she gets a lot more than she bargains for. The hot American she meets in the hotel bar, is more than willing to show her exactly what sexploits she’s been missing for the past few years, but will she give into temptation…

      Amy

      Looking up and meeting his eyes, I can see that his pupils are dilated, and I inadvertently bite my lower lip, unable to look away. He moves in even closer, as his hand takes the back of my neck, pulling me to him and his tongue licks gently across my lips.

      “I have wanted to do that since the first time I saw you,” he says softly.

      Isaac

      She’s not the usual tall, leggy, over confident business women that normally catches my attention, but a small, curvy, soft, skittish vision, with the most fantastic rack. Even though covered with the fabric of her blouse, you could see she had amazing tits, almost fighting to escape the cloth, as her chest moved, while trying to catch her breath.

      I could tell she was shy, so I was planning to move carefully but then she fell into my lap. Literally!

      Her touch made my body react instantly and I struggled to control my twitching cock. When I walked her to her room, I just couldn’t keep my hands off her.

      I want her.

      The question is, will Amy be able to refuse him?
      NAUGHTY BUT RICE Part 1/2 (REED AND RICE SERIES)
      UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0117XJOEQ

      US Link: http://amzn.com/B0117XJOEQ

      AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0117XJOEQ

      https://itun.es/gb/KnPQ8.l
      RICE BACK AT YOU! Part 2/2 (REED AND RICE SERIES) 
      UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0139T215U

      US Link: http://amzn.com/B0139T215U

      AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0139T215U

      https://itun.es/gb/iJfi9.l

      A Hole Lotto Loving  (99p to download) is a cheeky little novella. October, 2015
      Lynnie is a 40 years’ young, single, divorcee who comes into a humongous amount of money.  After a lot of persuasion from her best friend Shelley, she decides to place an ad, interview and hire a younger man for errmm… Fun!
      “I can’t believe it!” I sit in front of my laptop, stunned. “48 replies. This is madness. What the hell are we going to do?”

      “First of all, you need to take some deep breaths or you’re going to hyperventilate,” Shelley chuckles. “We go through them first and weed out the weirdos. Like this one. Has 15 cats and 6 budgies.”

      “I like cats,” I mumble.

      “Yes, but not bloody 15. Just think of the smell, along with the 6 budgies. Bleurrh! No that’s a definite delete. No, no, no. 45 too old, we want younger, delete. Eew! No way he drives a Reliant Robin, who the hell drivers a Reliant Robin in this day and age. I didn’t think there were any left. Hasn’t he heard of a Smart Car?”

      “Oh my God, maybe we should have asked for photos,” I mumble nervously, taking an extremely large gulp of my Rose wine, and even consider just swigging it straight from the bottle.

      “You’re the one who said no photos,” Shelley laughs. “All that crap about ‘It’s personality that counts.’ I call bullshit! You need someone that’s going to get your pulse racing, a hottie that’s easy on the eye.”

      “They can look like Gerard Butler, but if they are as boring as a Tupperware convention, then they ain’t gonna be a turn on.”

      “True. No way! 78 years’ young, who’s he trying to kid. Bless him. D-e-lete. What about this one? Clint HARD, that sound promising. 33, lives in Harrogate, likes fine wine, fine food and only the best in everything. Mmm classy dude. Print.”
      A HOLE LOTTO LOVING  –  Available now for only 99p/99c
      UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016H15OQA

      US Link: http://amzn.com/B016H15OQA

      AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B016H15OQA

      https://itun.es/gb/dWEeab.l

      *** On sale soon on run up to release of Tomek. TBA ***

      DEACON. SOLDIER. FIGHTER. JACKass! Went live in 14th Feb 16.

      Here comes the blurb:-
      When Tessa Walker stumbles upon a beat-up lump of muscle in a dark alley, against her better judgement she doesn’t walk away. The obnoxious, foul mouthed, jackass does nothing but piss her off from the get go. It’s not until she cleans up some of the blood and shit from his face while he’s sparked out, that she realises he’s a blast from her past.

      ‘Jack Deacon, cock of the school, every girl’s wet dream and utter arsehole. He was the most arrogant git all the way through high school, so full of himself he was overflowing, but for some reason everybody loved him. I was no exception.’

      ‘He was my secret crush, the one that I compared every other guy to. Nobody ever came anywhere near. Yet here he is, right in front of me, and he doesn’t have a clue.’

      “What’s your story?”
      After leaving the army, Jack Deacon’s life has gone from shit to bone. Running up debts from gambling, owing money to the wrong people. All in an attempt to dampen down the continuous re-run of events in his head, and the feelings of guilt in his gut. When he wakes up battered and bruised on some chick’s sofa, he knows exactly who she is.

      ‘Tessa Walker, the specky geek with the bright sparkling eyes the colour of cognac and the most spectacular tits. Oh how I’d fantasised about those tits, taking one in each hand and burying my face right in the middle of them. Many a night I’d wanked with that vision in my head.’

      ‘I bet she’s wondering what this is all about. It’s none of her f**king business, I ain’t telling her shit.’

      But hell! This is just the beginning…
      Available now only £2.99.

      DEACON. SOLDIER. FIGHTER. JACKass!
      UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BKU8YAQ

      US Link: http://amzn.com/B01BKU8YAQ

      AU Link: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01BKU8YAQ

      https://itun.es/gb/N4IHab.l https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29091480?source=ebfg_email

      Dream F*#ks And Hard Drives was released in July 2016

      My latest book started off as a quick office romance novella but while writing it, turned into something, well, a little less conventional. Here’s the blurb…
      My names Imogen Lovell and there are currently five things that are relevant in my life.

      1. Job – Enjoyable.
      2. Family – Parents can be a little embarrassing. The rest of them, pfft!
      3. Friends – Limited, but I have two of the very best, Libby and Henry.
      4. Sleeping issues – Erotic and sexually heated dreams, causing disruption to normal sleep pattern.
      5. Sex Life – In reality… none existent (please see item 4 for further clarification).

      At least there was only five, until Finn Burke came to work at my employers on a short-term contract.

      He’s an arrogant arsehole with the body of a Facebook hot hunk posting. I loathed him from the moment I saw him, with his egotistic, la-dee-da attitude. Looking down his nose and trying his best to humiliate me. I will not be the butt of his jokes.

      I feel a throat punch coming on!

      So, if I dislike him so much, then why has the faceless man in my dreams morphed into him?

      I need to add an additional data entry…

      1. Finn Burke – Kill him or shag him?

      Believe me when I say…This is not your typical office romance!
      Dream F*#ks And Hard Drives 
      by T.L Wainwright 
      Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HVYOUIK

      http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HVYOUIK

      http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01HVYOUIK

      https://itun.es/gb/tBZzdb.l

      https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dream-f-k-s-and-hard-drives

      http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/books/1124065617?ean=2940153382173
      I’ve been involved with two anthology.
      Doctrine of Indecency. 18 Coveted Tales of Lust. (Free to download)

      18 Authors. 18 short stories. An eclectic mix of erotica, all having one thing in common. They’re a hell of a sexy read.

      Where else would you find tales of vampires, aliens, ménage a trois and a baseball player in a sex club? Not forgetting my own little offering called Fruit, Veg and Starfish. It’s amazing what can happen in the fresh produce aisle at your local grocery store. All in one fantastic book.

      BONUS it’s free to download. So, what you waiting for…

      UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E1QW4W0

      US Link: http://amzn.com/B01E1QW4W0

      https://itun.es/gb/um60bb.l

      http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/doctrine-of-indecency-kyle-perkins/1123648567?ean=2940153189666

      Love, Lust and Scary Monsters. An Anthology in aid of Muscular Dystrophy (£1.99) December, 2016

      9 different short stories. A mixed bag of Romance, Suspense and Horror. Pretty much what it says on the tin.

      Annabeth Johnson – B. Sharpe- Author – Eden Rose – Author Ellie Williams – Jess Sims Author – J G Clay – Author Kari Holloway – Author Katie Mayo-Jackson & T.L Wainwright

      #MuscularDystrophy #LoveLustAndScaryMonstersAnthology #Anthology #LLSMMDAnthology #MerryChristmas
      UK: https://goo.gl/sFUIe7

      US: https://goo.gl/UmMonL

      CA: https://goo.gl/6xrkib

      AU: https://goo.gl/3Qz15S
      Why not like our page. Author info, teasers and lots of other stuff.

      https://www.facebook.com/LLSMMDAnthology/

 

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Credit
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter  Summer
Sweet or Savoury   Savoury (Cheese)
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? If you’re talking sex, any time.
Christmas Tree – real or fake? On a Christmas Card.
Sex – Lights on or off? Subtle lighting

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

 

Feel free to check me out, stalk or even PM me. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

FB Author page (you’ll find a book role call showing all my links there too.)

https://m.facebook.com/TL-Wainwright-137891269903535/?ref=bookmarks

Amazon Author page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/T.L-Wainwright/e/B012PBC6GC

Twitter:  @wainwright_tl

Instagram: wainwright.tl

Email: ttdwainwright@gmail.com

Books, Christmas, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine Book Signing Attending Author: Chris Turnbull

gibbsdream

Chris.png

 

  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Chris Turnbull, and I live near York.

  1. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading, being swept up into a new world by an author can be so incredible. I like to feel drawn into the book, I want to feel for the characters and go on the journey they are. As a youngster I was addicted to the Goosebump books by RL Stine, then later got hooked onto the Harry Potter series which was the main reason I wanted to write a book of my own.

  1. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

Although my books are seen by many as being very different, often described as (historical fiction, gothic, time-travel and of course I now have a children’s book) I do not see them all as being so different. I am a huge nerd when it comes to history, I love learning new things about the past and all my books are set somewhere in history that I find to be of interest. Whether it be 1889 Paris, the year the Eiffel tower opened, or just Victorian England. My books allow me to explore life in these times, learn and explore new things. My books also connect together with Love, whether that be the love of a partner, a family member or a friend. 

  1. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

I think without a doubt I would have loved to have created Albus Dumbledore. He is exactly the kind of character that I love. He is the father figure to Harry, a respected man, a humble man, and not to mention he can kick ass when needs be.

  1. When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was a teenager; I had an English teacher at the time that really inspired me to be creative. She did not tell you things were wrong and allowed you to express your creative side. Sadly she left the school after only one year and I was devastated, as her replacement was all about sticking to textbook work. Thankfully though I continued to write for fun in my spare time, and it was in 2013 that I started work on ‘The Vintage Coat’ which ended up being my first published work. 

  1. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I give myself bullet points of things I would like to see happen. I also create character profiles so I know a little bit more about the people I am writing about. Then I just go with the flow and see where the story takes me. I find this way of writing keeps me excited, as I want to find out what happens next. My theory is if the story excites me, then hopefully it should the reader.

  1. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Ooo that’s difficult to pick only one. I think I would choose Charlie from ‘The Vintage Coat’. He is a fun guy, loyal friend and I think I could be friends with him.

My second choice would be Tom from ‘Whitby’s Darkest Secret’ because I think he is adorable and a strong willed young man.

  1. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

‘The Vintage Coat’ is based purely on a military coat I purchased in an antique shop in Alston. It immediately sparked my imagination and out came a time-travel story about the coat, and also set in Alston.

Also my children’s book ‘A Home For Emy’ is based on true events as this is the story of my own dog.

  1. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I am currently working on a number of projects, the first being a sequel to ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’. I am having so much fun writing this book, and fans of the first book will be very surprised with the turn of events this new book takes.

Also I have been working on a Christmas themed book which I hope to release at the end of 2017. This is a collection of short stories and poems that I have enjoyed writing over the course of a number of years.

Finally (or at least what I will tell you for now) I have begun work on a second children’s book, it again will feature Emy and I hope to release it in early 2018.

  1. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up. Don’t follow the crowd.

I was always told that I needed to read and write every day, but for me (as well as most authors) I work full time. Sometimes I just need an evening off from writing and rest. I work better when I am not tired, so I would always say work at your own pace and do what is best for you. 

  1. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to travel, whether that is a day out to the coast or a holiday somewhere exciting. Me and my partner have a dog which we love to spend time with.

  1. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Personally I don’t think there is an easy part. The whole process is very demanding if you wish to succeed. Being a writer is a full time job in itself and you have to go through it all, the good and bad bits. I love being in my office and writing, knowing there is no pressure and being able to just write what comes to me. Editing is never fun, and you go over the manuscript so many times you start to fall out of love with your work. However all the hard work is worth it when you finally have a copy in your hand…and even better is when somebody else tells you they like it.

  1. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

After the release of my first book I had quite a few people ask me if they were going to get a free copy…erm No! There is no such thing as a free copy…even I don’t get a free copy and it’s my book.

Then you get those who say ‘I don’t know how you find the time to write a book’. These are usually the people who spend their evenings watching every single soap on TV, as well as other mindless television programs. Please note I have nothing against watching things you enjoy…I do it myself, but don’t spend every day of your life sat in front of the television and then question how I find time to write.

  1. What is your idea of happiness?

Spending time with the ones I love. You don’t need a lot of money, or ‘things’ to be happy. Some of my best moments have been the simple one. Walking on the beach with my dog, sitting in the garden with my family, playing a silly game with my best friend and her family. These are the things that I remember more than anything.

  1. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

When I finished writing ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’ I decided that I wanted a spend a couple of nights away from home so I could focus on finishing the book…

I stayed in a two bed house in Whitby, the large oak wood dining table where I sat writing overlooked the harbour. I could hear seagulls and the sun was shining. In the morning I went for a walk, I soaked in the town atmosphere and even visited the ruined Abbey for the first time in my life. After a bit to eat I returned to the dining table, where my mind was freshly filled with the sounds and smells of the town I was writing about, and I even went back to change certain parts of the book. I sat there for hours until it got dark, the harbour lit up with a row of lights that lined the pathway. I finished the final few chapters that night. 

  1. What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: I have a very rude sense of humour…enough said.

Cry: Most things as I am an emotional wreck. The worse times though is when I am reading/watching something about a dog that is sick, hurt or dying. I read ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ on the aeroplane back from New York and I started to cry uncontrollably…and I mean really going for it, I couldn’t speak I was in such a state. The man next to me must of wondered what the hell was going on.

  1. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
  2. David Attenborough…My hero in life and somebody I would love to meet. Plus he would probably know how to survive the island.
  3. Joel Dommett – He was hilarious in ‘Celeb get me out of here’ so I think he would keep up entertained…plus he survived the jungle so I think he would help us survive an island.
  4. My other half, because I would miss him (and he could try and smuggle the dog with him).
  5. What is your most annoying habit?

Annoying…me?

I have a bad habit of zoning out if I am bored. Which is terrible when your other half tells you something important and you didn’t hear.

  1. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
  2. The Vintage Coat: A time-travel story set between modern day Alston and WWII.
  3. D: Whitby’s Darkest Secret: A dark murderous story set in the backdrop of Victorian Whitby.
  4. Carousel: Time-Travel tale. Jonathan is sent back to 1889 Paris, but unfortunately gets stuck there.
  5. A Home For Emy: Children’s book based on true events. Illustrated beautifully by Rebecca Sharp of Dasilvaline.

  6. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Cash or credit? I am really bad and almost never have cash on me
    Cats or Dogs? Dogs
    Beach or Mountain? Mountain
    Summer or Winter – Tough!…I love Winter fashion, but I prefer the warmth of summer
    Sweet or Savoury Sweet
    Early riser or late riser? Late
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
    Sex – Lights on or off? Who cares…

    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
    Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.

www.chris-turnbullauthor.com

www.facebook.com/christurnbullauthor

www.twitter.com/christurnbull20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Turnbull/e/B00UFW8RB2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1